Happy and Healthy with Anna is Back!

Hello!

Happy & Healthy with Anna is back.

Hey, how are you? It’s been a while. Actually it’s been three years according to the date of my last blog post! I wanted to share with you what’s been happening for me, what’s new for Happy and Healthy with Anna, and most importantly how I can be of service to you in 2023.

Since I last saw many of you we have been through a Global Pandemic, a life changing experience for most of us. I wonder what else has been happening for you during this time? I feel that for many of us there have been some big shifts and changes, as the Pandemic forced us to turn inward and contemplate life for a while.

There were some big changes for me too. I took my business online and continued to work during lock down. I gave birth to my second baby, another beautiful daughter. My husband quit his job and started his own business. We relocated our family from Sydney to the beautiful Thirroul on the South Coast, and since then we have moved house twice. There certainly has been a lot of change. Some highs and some, what felt like at the time, extreme lows.

Anna O’Keeffe Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

Highs and Lows

We all experience lows. I am no different. The work that I do has helped me to recognise when I am out of balance but it hasn't always stopped me from reaching that tipping point, into my stressed out, running on empty fight or flight mode. Just like many of you I have often waited until the very last moment to seek help, and bring back or implement my own self care practices. That's hard when you're sleep deprived. When you're a mum putting yourself first is hard. In fact most of the time it feels almost impossible. I'm learning.

I've been doing this work for almost nine years and I'm still learning. It will always be a journey. Whether you're a parent or not putting yourself first is hard. There is always someone or something else to divert your attention away from you. That's one of the reasons I love to do what I do. I love to give people that space for self care. I love to help you bring your attention back to you.

Here’s what my clients are saying:

Client testimonials Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

Here’s how I can help you…

Reiki Online & in person

Reiki quickly returns you to your natural state, or at least gets your body moving in the right direction. That means your breathing, heart rate and blood pressure improve. Reiki practice is balancing to your whole system. Addressing isolated symptoms is not enough to help you feel better. With Reiki there is an overall response as your system shifts into your body’s natural state of rest and digest. It is here that your own self-healing mechanisms function at their very best.

Here are the common benefits Reiki clients have reported:

• Improved sleep

• Less anxiety

• Improvement in depressive symptoms

• Less pain

• Mood stabilization

• Enhanced resilience to stress

• Improved self esteem

• Improved digestion

• Improved focus and memory

• Reduced side effects from medications and medical procedures

• Faster recovery from injuries and surgery

• Greater social ease and satisfaction

• Greater sense of meaning

Reiki sessions are available online and in person. Reply to this email or visit my website to find out more. You can book online here:

Kinesiology online & in person

Kinesiology allows us to speak directly to your body through muscle testing. This allows us to understand what is linked with your survival system/your fight or flight mode and why you might be spending too much time in this reactive sympathetic nervous system. Consciously you may be longing for freedom, to be free from ongoing physical symptoms or pain, anxiety, or insomnia for example, but your subconscious is saying “no it’s not safe!” Using Kinesiology we can then get feedback from your body to find out what is needed to bring you out of fight or flight and into a place of rest and digest. Helping your body find it's way back to balance.

Here are the common benefits my Kinesiology clients have reported:

• Feeling calm

• Improved energy

• Improved self esteem

• Improved ability to move forward in life

• Sense of renewal

• Improved strategies to help live a more balanced life

• Life changing

• Addressed deep underlying issues

• Improved sense of full potential

• Improved health, happiness and balance

• Feeling grounded

• Release of blocked emotion

Sessions are available online and in person. Reply to this email or visit my website to find out more. You can book online here:

Here’s what’s new in 2023…

Anna O’Keeffe Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra

After experiencing the powerful benefits of Yoga Nidra over the past four years, I decided to study this ancient and deeply healing practice so that I could include it in my offering to clients. I first came across Yoga nidra during Yoga classes, now and again teachers would end their class with a yoga nidra. After my first baby was born I was struggling to 'sleep when they sleep' during the day, I was feeling tired and unable to catch up on the rest I needed. A yoga teacher suggested trying yoga nidra and this is where my journey began. It wasn't until my second baby was born and my sleep deprivation hit new lows that Yoga nidra became a life line. Soon I will finish my Yoga nidra teacher certification.

I am already guiding groups online and working with clients one on one. Let me know if you'd like to join!

Yoga nidra, also known as yogic sleep or Non sleep deep rest (NSDR) is a powerful technique for controlling your body’s rest and digest response. Yoga nidra can be as restorative as sleep, while you remain fully conscious. Giving your mind and body an extra window, even just 10 minutes, of deep relaxation offers powerful benefits! Yoga Nidra works by guiding you down through the different levels of your brainwaves, which happens naturally as you fall asleep. This engages your parasympathetic nervous system (there's that term again), yes your body's natural place of rest and digest. It allows you to reside in a relaxed state and is associated with tissue regeneration, brain repair and healing of the body.

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Reiki training and Reiki self care courses

I am now teaching Reiki courses both in person and online. Reiki levels 1, 2 and 3 are all available but I primarily focus on Reiki level one / Self care training.

The focus of this training is how to practice daily self Reiki, and why this is important. I truly believe that when we take our own healing literally into our own hands we become empowered. You'll learn the history of Reiki and how to give yourself and others (friends and family) a full Reiki session.

What could be more accessible than your own hands? You will have your own ability to immediately engage the body's rest and digest response and bring your body back to balance.

If you are interested in learning how to practice self Reiki please contact me. I can work online with any time zone!

Anna O’Keeffe Kinesiology Reiki Yoga Nidra

I am delighted to be returning to service.

I truly believe, apart from being a mum, wife, daughter, sister, friend, I was put on this planet in this lifetime to do this work. To help restore balance. It starts with us. When we heal ourselves, when we become whole and balanced, a ripple effect on human consciousness begins. When we come from a place of love rather than fear and we begin to forgive, we invite in compassion for ourselves and our fellow humans. And so I invite you to do the same.

I invite you to let me help you find a way back to balance. When I begin working with clients they are often feeling stuck. Confused about making a decision, which way to turn next, or even paralysed with fear. After working together, whether it's online or in person they are able to take a step forward. Like a fog has lifted. It doesn't have to be a leap. Just one small, teeny tiny step is all it takes. I am here to help.

If you have made it to the end of this blog I am honoured that you have given me this time and attention, and grateful to have you here with me.

If you would like to say hi, I'd love to hear from you. I'd love to know what's been happening in your life.

Sending much love & light to you and yours. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna x

m: +61 (0)41 6972 230
e: hello@hhwithanna.com
w: hhwithanna.com

An Exciting Shift is Upon Us

An exciting shift is upon us. In 2020 Astrology tells us that we are coming to the end of several very long cycles and the dawning of a new chapter for humanity.

A huge line up of planets in Capricorn in 2020 means we will begin the restructuring of our world and our lives. The shift in energy is coming. 2020 is the threshold, the cross roads at which we must prepare for change in all aspects of our life and harness the opportunity to be part of a Global shift in consciousness. As we turn the corner into a new astrological era, we must prepare ourselves by releasing old patterns and beliefs. If there was ever a time to bring about change into your life, that time is now. We are all divine beings of the Universe; we all entered this planet with the potential to be the best version of ourselves in this life time. By releasing all the fears, self-sabotages and emotional blockages that may currently hold you back, you can truly honour this potential and your divine life purpose. I know this is where my own greatest struggle resides and where I need to shed and grow. It’s uncomfortable and confronting.

As we move into this new decade it may be hard to remain positive and optimistic. We can see our Mother Earth is suffering, we have filled her oceans with plastic, we have suffocated her skies in toxic fossil fuels and poisoned her soils with chemicals. We are witnessing catastrophic natural disasters unfold here in Australia and across the globe, and we have enabled money greedy individuals to make decisions about her wellbeing. We, her children have allowed this to happen. 2020 and beyond is our chance to heal our Mother. There is hope and with this Universal energetic shift and aligning of planets we have the opportunity to affect change. It starts with us. When we heal ourselves, when we become whole and balanced, a ripple effect on human consciousness begins. When we come from a place of love rather than fear and we begin to forgive, we invite in compassion for ourselves and our fellow humans. We soften, we surrender, we allow ourselves to be authentic and true to our purpose here on this planet. When we are weighed down by fear, anxiety, addictions, physical pain or dis-ease and emotional trauma we cannot be in balance, we cannot flourish or reach our true potential as an individual or across humanity. If Mother Earth needs our healing, we must first heal ourselves. We must see our failings, our imperfections, our struggles and sufferings and sit with them, acknowledge them, accept them as part of us and act.

Healing comes in many forms. First and foremost, it comes from an awareness that something is out of balance, something is stuck or blocked. It may come in a physical manifestation or symptom. It may come in a raging fire, or it may simply appear as an explainable dissatisfaction with life. 2020 presents you the opportunity to identify what changes you need to make in your own life, what patterns and cycles do you want to break free from? Where do you need to purge? What do you need to burn to bring about re-growth and new life? What pain or niggle do you need to address? I encourage you to sit with these questions. For most of us this is not easy or comfortable. It is often antagonising and painful but very few things are born without some form of challenge or discomfort.

As we enter this new era you may have already started to feel a shift; you may have already felt a dissatisfaction with the status quo or a dis-ease with the way things are. Do you have itchy feet? Are you bored? Are you seeking a new career or place to live? Are you ready to end a relationship? Or perhaps you are already on the path to transformation, shedding old skin and bringing about re-birth. Whether you are aware of it or not change is coming. It’s coming for you, for me, for humanity and our Mother Earth. Embrace this time of transformation and be responsible for the change that you want to see in this world. This is a unique and exciting time for humanity. It is important to remain optimistic about the future and to know that change and healing starts with each and every one of us.

To understand how my work can be of service to you at this transformative time and how I can assist you in this new decade, please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the recent bushfires, you may be experiencing emotions that make you feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Even if you haven’t been directly impacted it’s quite normal to be weighed down by a feeling of heaviness for others, for the devastation to our Mother earth and her animals. If you are struggling with any of the above Beyond Blue has some helpful information about the bushfires and mental health.

Do you or someone you know suffer from chronic illness or ongoing mystery symptoms?

Do not give up hope. There is a solution out there and you will find it if you are persistent, willing to be inquisitive and if you choose to empower yourself with knowledge and information.

Recently in clinic I have been attracting clients whose lives have in some way been impacted by chronic illness and/or ongoing mystery symptoms. Whether personally impacted or caring for a loved one, chronic illness can cause significant emotional and physical disharmony to both individuals and relationships. Chronic illness or disease is a blanket term and can encompass any illness or symptom that has been persistent for a long time or constantly recurring, such as migraines, insomnia, chronic fatigue, auto-immune diseases, type 2 diabetes, ADHD, leaky gut, shingles, eczema and many many more. When I notice a theme emerging in the clients I’m seeing I know I am being guided to learn more on a that specific area. It’s a call to increase my knowledge and understanding so that I may be able to offer greater support and empathy to current and future clients.

Generally, with this guidance I find I am led to a source from which I can learn and from which my clients will gain most benefit. A few months ago, I started noticing the work of Anthony William, Medical Medium. If you haven’t heard of Anthony William, he is a Medium who since age four has been able to detect illnesses or disease, often before the individual experiences any symptoms and before they are given any form of diagnosis by doctors. Through his mediumship he is guided by ‘Spirit’ to answers which explain many of the chronic and mystery illnesses that continue to leave modern medicine baffled, giving new hope and much needed help to many sufferers around the world. More importantly the knowledge he receives through his mediumship provides solutions, usually in food form and in great detail on what to avoid, what to eat more of and why, as well as recommended healing herbs and supplements. Anthony has become an invaluable resource to doctors who need help solving their most difficult cases. His thousands of followers and testimonials from around the world evidence his accuracy and success.

Whatever your belief systems, the frustration and heartache for both suffers and carers with years of doctors’ appointments, numerous medications, and few answers will often eventually lead to those impacted seeking alternative solutions. I felt drawn to write this blog post as it is only through the sharing of new information, alternative ideas and perspectives, experiences and education that we may be able to help others stumble across something that might just change their life. Something that might be the key in helping them overcome their mystery or chronic illness. We must encourage and empower each other to become educated and make informed choices about our own health care and means of healing.

Through Kinesiology, I have learned that the body has the innate ability to heal itself if we allow it, and if we give it the correct help and the resources it requires. I have learned that the body innately knows what it needs to do to restore health and I truly believe that the body is always trying to return to homeostasis (balance). The body is always working hard to keep you safe. Anthony William’s work supports that the body will not attack you or its’ own systems. It is not uncommon for us to be told by modern medicine, particularly with chronic illnesses of the immune system (such as labelled auto immune diseases like Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hypothyroidism for example), that the body’s own defense system has turned it’s back on you and has decided to attack you instead. Where does this leave an individual’s relationship with their body? Usually in place of hatred, resentment or anger. And how can we expect to create a place of nurturing and healing in such an environment?  “For us to become whole and healthy, we must balance body mind and spirit. We need to take good care of bodies. We need to have a positive mental attitude about ourselves and about life. And we need to have a strong spiritual connection. No doctor or health practitioner can give us this unless we choose to take part in our own healing process.” (Louise Hay, metaphysical lecturer, teacher and best-selling author, Heal Your Body).

What I am finding with clients impacted by labelled chronic illness or auto-immune diseases is that, understandably so, it is the positive mental attitude toward themselves and their life that has been lost. First, we must restore some self-love and acceptance and then we can begin to change the relationship we have toward the body, it is from here that healing can begin. I don’t pretend to understand what it is like to experience chronic or mystery illnesses firsthand, nor do I claim to be an expert in the field. I can only speak from what I see in clinic. I have found that through a combination of detoxifying the body from substances such as heavy metals and candida, restoring gut health and alkalinity, and giving the individual an understanding of the mental and emotional relationships and imbalances occurring within the body that we may start to see signs of improvement.

What has drawn me to the work of Anthony William is that he makes sense of the mystery. If it’s not the body attacking itself then what is it? It's an invader, an outsider that the immune system is trying to protect you from; a pathogen, bacteria or virus. This may not come as a revelation to many of you but to me it was new and I was curious to learn more. You may ask, if it is that simple why are they not picked up in blood tests and treated? Good question, but as I’ve learned from my reading it’s not that simple. There are many forms of bacteria and virus' and pathogens that cannot yet be detected by medical screening and there are many strains that are developing and mutating constantly as they are passed on through the generations. It is not my intention to go into the details here but if you are curious to learn more I suggest you read Medical Medium, Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal by Anthony William. It is only my intention to introduce you to an alternative perspective and source of information.

As mentioned earlier if we give the body what it needs it will find a way to heal itself and Anthony William provides many answers to what it is the body needs. He clearly explains what pathogens and bacteria are responsible for many different symptoms/illnesses, the foods and toxins that will keep them alive in your body and why, and what foods will fight them, and how these foods will help you heal. In Kinesiology, using muscle testing we allow the body to tell us what it needs, it will direct us to the source of information that can provide awareness, answers, insights and solutions. In many cases I am finding that this source is the Medical Medium book discussed above.

If you are experiencing one or more mystery symptoms that have continued persistently over a number of months or years with little or no explanation from doctors then I encourage you to get inquisitive. For example, unusual thirst, blurry vision, acne unusual hunger, fatigue, irritability, digestive problems, insomnia, low energy, continual sweating, craving stimulants, mood swings, repeated occurrences of thrush, migraines, tingling, numbness, muscle or joint pains, eczema and menstrual problems are just some of the many symptoms that doctors have no explanation for even after a multitude of tests. If any of this sounds familiar and you have given up hope it may be time to seek answers in other places and explore alternative solutions. I am not saying that modern medicine and doctors do not have a place in health care or that they are not a valuable lifesaving resource but they are not the only avenue to explore. Do not give up hope. There is a solution out there and you will find it if you are persistent, willing to be inquisitive and if you choose to empower yourself with knowledge and information from a variety of sources. They key is to find something that resonates with you. Listen to what your body is telling you. And give it a go!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the above please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Recommended reading:

Medical Medium, Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal by Anthony William.
Medical Medium, Life – Changing foods by Anthony William.
Medical Medium, Thyroid Healing by Anthony William.
Medical Medium, Liver Rescue by Anthony William.
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
Heal Your Body by Louise Hay

Why we need to honour Winter and how it makes us feel

For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere Winter is here!

Respecting the seasonal changes is an important part of a holistic wellbeing practice, and an important part of self care and compassion. We are all energy and our energy tunes in to the rhythm of our natural environment. Generally, in summer we feel energised and outward, and in winter there is an internal call to withdraw and retreat. It is important to honour that call, and here’s why.

Learning from Chinese medicine we can gain an understanding of what the season of Winter means for our emotional and physical wellbeing. Often Winter is seen as a vast bleakness, a time of dying and decay, but it is actually an important time in nature for reintegration, repair and preparation for the coming season of new beginnings and regrowth. We know that Winter is time of hibernation, a time of rest and rejuvenation but how does this impact us and our energy?

It is naturally a time for slowing down and many of you will have already felt this urge. More subtle, yet just as important, is the call to place greater attention on internal reflection and solitude. If you are feeling like withdrawing a little, being less social, sleeping more, or being less active, honour it. Listen to your body. Give your body what it needs. Rest. Slow down and nurture. Take time to be on your own, and reflect on the seasons that have already passed in this cycle of Spring, Summer and Autumn. Allow yourself to release anything in your life that may need to be put to bed, or laid to rest to allow for new seedlings to sprout.  Perhaps, with this reflection you will find old habits, patterns, beliefs or even relationships that no longer serve you. This is the time let them go, make way for new healthier beginnings and relationships.

In Chinese medicine the energy of Winter is housed in the Water element. Water represents the unconscious, it is a symbol of our dreamlife, of our emotions, of that which we do not understand, and that which we fear. Emotionally you may be feeling increased fear or anxiety, as your body energetically moves into this element, and prepares itself for letting go of the old, and moving forward into the new and the unknown.

It is important to acknowledge these emotions; take time to reflect on how you feel, honour these feelings as they come up, don’t judge them or critique the. Simply observe and feel them, even the uncomfortable ones, process them and allow them to be released. When we are able to accept more of the vast mystery of life and our being, and allow our emotions to flow, we may find our ability to feel calm and balanced increases. This of course doesn’t mean that any fear or anxiety we feel will disappear completely from our lives but it will allow us to shift undigested emotions and prevent it from becoming blocked or stagnant, which in turn can lead to us feeling physically unwell.

Energy is always moving. Emotion is simply that energy in motion in the human experience. This is why tears are a good thing, just as laughter is, and deep breathing. The body will naturally expel unwanted energy through these processes if we allow it. You will sleep better and feel better as a result.

What else can you do to help your body during winter?

During the winter season energy is in our Bladder and Kidney meridians so it is important to stay well hydrated even though you may feel like drinking less. Drinking herbal tea or hot water can be a good alternative if you find it hard to take in cold water during winter. In Chinese medicine The Bladder is our store house of emotion, and the Kidney the store house of our life energy or ‘Chi’ so Winter is good time for flushing out our system of toxins and blocked energy or emotion.

Eating and drinking alkalising foods and liquids is a good place to start; for example, plant based green foods, along side your favourite hearty home cooked winter warmer. Adding Parsely and Celery to your diet can help, and drinking lemon in hot water will have an alkalising effect on the body, reducing the level of toxic acidity flowing through your system.

Implementing a Yin Yoga practice at this time of year, if you don’t already have one, is a great idea. Classes that focus on the bladder and kidney meridians will be particularly beneficial during winter. It is not uncommon to feel fear and anxiety rising in these classes as your body releases. With this in mind, stretching into the hips and hip flexors is a great way to get shift energy through these meridians in classes, or at home in your own space and time.

In Chinese medicine every being, every situation, every relationship, every experience, every thing must complete the seasonal cycle. Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Autumn, Autumn back to Winter and so on. The Cycle continues, and so to enjoy balance in our emotional and physical being we must honour the seasons and their impact on our energy and emotions. We must use this time of winter to let ourselves retreat, to look inward, acknowledge where our fears and anxieties reside, release those things that no longer serve us, and rest in preparation for the coming of new beginnings in Springtime!

Kinesiology and Reiki are both great ways to help shift energy and release undigested emotions. Winter is a great time to invest in your personal wellbeing. If you are struggling to release the old and make way for the new I’m here to help you with that.

Enjoy the down time and the solitude of winter. Enjoy lazy mornings, big slippers, warm soups, cosy blankets, wrapping up warm for long walks in nature, hot teas and perhaps some red wine by the fire.

Reiki, Kinesiology and Yoga nidra can help restore balance to your body and mind. Each practice helps your nervous system regulate so high alert anxiety is replaced with steadiness and calm. Science calls this the shift from sympathetic over drive to the parasympathetic state in which your body repairs — and you quickly start sleeping and feeling better.

My business hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 3pm and Saturdays 11am - 2pm. When working online, or with different time zones I can accommodate other hours so please ask if you can’t see times that work for you.

Kinesiology, Reiki and Yoga nidra are all available in person and online. I run Yoga nidra group sessions in person and Reiki circles where you can come to have a short Reiki experience. Both are held in Thirroul and surrounds, please ask if you are looking to join.

My next in person Reiki level one training will be held in June please look out for dates to be confirmed. Reiki level one online is ran every month, this months online training is 14 & 15 May 2023. Please contact me if you are interested.

Enjoy winter. Enjoy rest.

Love, Anna x

m: +61 (0)41 6972 230
e: hello@hhwithanna.com
w: hhwithanna.com

My journey with Kinesiology - What is it and how does it work?

My Journey with Kinesiology

My introduction to Kinesiology came in the form of NAET (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques). From a young age I experienced mild to moderate eczema and throughout my life it came and went in varying degrees. What I didn’t know back then was that my eczema was triggered by emotional stress and exasperated by a number of food sensitivities. I was also frequently impacted by hay fever, a cat allergy, a severe horse allergy and a few other dust and plant sensitivities. As many of us do I took antihistamines on a regular basis, treated my eczema with steroid creams and thought that was it. In the Western/conventional medicine paradigm a Doctor will treat your complaint head one by sending an intervention to directly counter the problem, an approach that often brings unwanted side effects. For any eczema sufferers out there you'll know that topical steroid withdrawal is not a pleasant experience and it is long and drawn out. 

When visiting family in the USA my Aunt introduced me to a GP who was also qualified to practice Chinese Medicine and NAET, a branch of Kinesiology that focuses on the elimination of sensitives and allergies. Using NAET the doctor identified all the sensitives that my immune system was fighting. I booked in for several appointments, my niggly patches of eczema disappeared, my eyes and nose stopped itching and my energy increased. I didn't understand what Kinesiology was at that time but I was blown away. I had not taken any pills or applied any creams and the results were obvious. I was learning for the first time, through Kinesiology and what that GP has explained to me about Chinese medicine and the flow of energy in our body is directly linked to our physical state and emotional wellbeing. I hadn’t grown up with any form of energy medicine or eastern medicine practices so this was a dramatic shift in my awareness of the body being more than just a physical vessel. 

A few years later I experienced an emotionally challenging time.  My eczema returned worse than I'd ever experienced before. I was red, sore and embarrassed. Doctors prescribed steroids. The eczema got better. I stopped the steroids, the eczema got worse, and so the cycle continued. I understand now that the eczema was a direct link to the emotional stress I was experiencing. I was in a toxic relationship that did not serve me and I was not being true to myself. Of course, I couldn't see it at that time. The longer I wallowed here the weaker my immune system became, sensitivities built up, allergies developed again and my energy levels and self esteem plummeted. It was at this point in my life that I discovered Reiki, but that's a story for another day!

When I moved to Sydney later that same year I quickly found a Kinesiologist. I began regular appointments and once again, almost immediately my eczema disappeared. My immune system bounced back and my energy levels increased again. I was no longer in that same relationship that had created so much emotional stress and I felt strong and healthy. This experience pushed me to learn more about Kinesiology and energy medicine, and I felt a strong desire to bring both Reiki & Kinesiology to others.

During my studies I learned that Kinesiology and working with energy is far bigger than I ever could have imagined. So big in fact that the possibilities with this modality feel infinite to me. I am constantly learning, and still now after over ten years I am still blown away by its ability to shift energy and affect change in myself and my clients. Kinesiology has the ability to link the emotional, physical, chemical, mental and spiritual aspects of a being, and so offering a completely holistic approach to health and wellbeing. I learned that everything which limits us in any area of our life; health, career and relationships for example, is the manifestation of something bigger, something that lies much deeper in our subconscious, something that can be explored and freed so that we can be and feel our best. When I realised that Kinesiology was much more than eliminating allergies I understood the power it has to serve each and every one of us. For me personally, Kinesiology is one of the ways I navigate life. I have regular Kinesiology sessions to work through anything that may be surfacing in my life at any given time, where that be emotional, physical or spiritual. 

Since its beginnings Kinesiology has developed into many branches but essentially muscle reflex testing and balancing energy in the body is the foundation of all forms of Kinesiology. As a Kinesiologist we can use the muscle testing to tap into the body's energy systems and subconscious to help gain an awareness of what is happening beneath the surface. Muscle testing is used to allow us to ask the body what support it needs to help it release blocked emotions and energy. Thus re-balancing the energy of the body, with this restored balance comes health and vitality. In my Kinesiology sessions I focus on techniques that clear stress, fear, trauma and pain from the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual bodies. Using Kinesiology I tap into the subconscious mind to clear negative patterns, limiting beliefs, sabotage programs or any mental/emotional stress.

What is Kinesiology and how does it work?

Kinesiology was first founded in the 1960′s by George Goodheart, a Chiropractor, who discovered that each major muscle has a corresponding organ relationship. From here it was later discovered that the meridian system (used in the ancient practice of Chinese Medicine) was also connected to the muscles and organs. Using a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, concepts, tools and Chiropractic techniques Applied Kinesiology was born. The International College of Applied Kinesiology (ICAK) was founded in 1975 to provide instruction on Goodheart's research to interested health care professionals.

Applied kinesiology (AK) which is also known as muscle strength testing, is a method of diagnosis and treatment based on the belief that various muscles are linked to particular organs and glands, and that specific muscle weakness can signal distant internal problems such as nerve damage, reduced blood supply, chemical imbalances or other organ or gland problems. When we correct this muscle weakness, you can help heal a problem in the associated internal organ.

Since its’ beginnings in AK, Kinesiology has developed into many branches (including NAET and Kinergetics) but essentially muscle testing and balancing energy in the body is the foundation of all forms of Kinesiology. As a Kinesiologist we can use the muscle testing to tap into the body's energy systems and subconscious to help gain an awareness of what is happening beneath the surface. Muscle monitoring is used to allow us to ask the body what support it needs to help it release blocked emotions and energy. Thus re-balancing the energy of the body, with this restored balance comes health and vitality.

What is muscle testing?

Muscle testing is what Kinesiologists use to assess what is happening with the energy systems of the body and subconscious mind. A light pressure will be applied to the muscle for no more than two seconds to determine how the muscle is responding. This information is then used to determine what the body is communicating.

Kinergetics

In my clinic I work with Kinergetics, a comprehensive modality of Kinesiology that has the flexibility to encompass other modalities of energy work and brings them together in a very logical way. In my sessions I incorporate other modalities of Kinesiology, aspects of Reiki, EFT (tapping), essential oils, card readings and much more to give your body exactly what it needs to restore balance and find its way back to wholeness. Kinergetics is a simple, gentle and clear way to work with Kinesiology, working with all energy systems of the body on a multi-dimensional level. It is incredibly powerful, restoring hope even when all other options have been exhausted.

What is Kinesiology good for?

Kinesiology is for everyone and we can work with any aspect of your life. Here are a few examples of what I can help you with:

• Chronic muscle or physical pain

• Physical ailments and symptoms

• Chronic fatigue

• Food sensitivities

• Irritability and mood swings

• Detoxification of heavy metals

• Releasing emotional traumas

• Stress management

• Reducing anxiety

• Increasing energy & resilience

• Increasing self-esteem & confidence

• Addressing fears

• Dealing with unresolved emotion

• Communication blocks

• Relationship challenges

What can you expect during a Kinesiology balance/session?

This is different for everyone and can really depend on the content of the balance and how deep you allow yourself to explore. A session is interactive, as we receive information from the body through the muscle testing we will discuss the relevance of this in your life or in the context of what we are working on. Often the first session involves a lot of talking as we get to know each other, which is why I recommend at least three sessions to experience the true benefits of Kinesiology. Once your Kinesiology journey gathers momentum you will start to feel more balanced and you will start to see signs of improvements.

How will you feel after a Kinesiology balance/session?

This is different for everyone and will vary from session to session. For me personally, after a balance I feel sense of clarity and motivation. I'm ready to make decisions with confidence. Usually the mountains I arrived with are reduced to mole hills. A balance can take a few days to integrate while your energetic system re-balances. It’s not unusual to feel a little out of sorts and vulnerable over the following 24/48-hour period. Depending on what we have uncovered in the balance there could also be a release of toxins from the body, which may make you feel a little unwell. Rest assured these are signs that the balance has worked and will soon pass, leaving you with an improved sense of wellbeing and wholeness.

Is Kinesiology for you?

In clinic I work with an array of issues from anxiety and insecurities to diagnosed diseases and chronic pain, from broken hearts and emotional or physical trauma to career challenges and transitions. The beautiful thing is you don’t even need to know what you are coming to see me for, even if you just feel something isn’t right. With Kinesiology your body can guide us and let us know where it needs help and support.  If you’re not sure if Kinesiology is for you then why not give me a call on 041 6972 230, I’m happy to answer any questions.

hello@hhwithanna.com

Reiki - What's it all about?

Reiki has been in my life for around eight years, prior to that I’d heard of Reiki and I’d always been curious about it but I had no idea what it was or how it could help me. Just as I was about to encounter an emotionally challenging time in my life something drew me to seek out a Reiki practitioner, the day after I booked in that session, my life as I knew it at the time changed significantly. I truly believe now that that was no coincidence. I believe I was guided to Reiki to help me cope with the challenges and decisions that lay ahead of me, and so that I could experience the powerful healing abilities of Reiki first hand, as it was with this knowledge and experience that I knew I had to share Reiki with others.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese word loosely translated as 'universal life force'. Reiki is a form of energy, of which there are many, each vibrating on their own frequency; Reiki energy is available for us to tap into and use as a source for healing. It is available to us all and anyone who chooses to become attuned to Reiki energy can learn to use it and it’s healing benefits on themselves and others. Attunements are passed down from Master to student, opening up the student to receive and become a channel for the Reiki energy to flow through and from. I am attuned to Reiki Master Level 3 in the Tibetan Usui lineage.

Reiki accelerates the body's ability to heal physical and emotional aliments, which often lead to stress and or feeling unwell, and assists you to correct imbalances of body, mind, spirit and heart. Harmonising these elements Reiki locates imbalances and clears blockages leaving you feeling relaxed, calmer, grounded and more balanced.

The Chakras

Reiki is often associated with and commonly used for balancing the Chakras of the body. The seven chakras are generally thought of as being centres of energy within the human body, aligned with the spine, which correspond to our feelings, and emotional and behavioural characteristics. Each chakra is also commonly associated with an organ and bodily function; and is usually represented by a colour (made up by the colours of a rainbow).

A person's body, mind and spiritual well-being are balanced and healthy when all of their chakras are 'clear'. When chakras are 'blocked', the related functions and feelings will be adversely affected, as a result the balance of the person is upset because other chakras are forced to compensate. Blocked chakras can be caused by anything from stubbing a toe to serious emotional or physical trauma, they are a part of our daily life and just as it is important to service your car, it is important to service and maintain the balance of your chakras.

The seven chakras are located at the following points of the body, along the line of the spine:

• base of the spine - Root chakra (red)
• lower abdomen/lower back (below the navel) - Sacral chakra (orange)
• between the navel and base of sternum - Solar Plexus chakra (yellow)
• centre of chest - Heart chakra (green)
• base of neck - Throat chakra (blue/turquoise)
• lower forehead, between eyes - Third eye chakra (indigo)
• top of the head - Crown chakra (purple)

The lower chakras govern our more basic instincts related to survival and physical self, whereas the higher chakras govern our mental characteristics and feelings related to thought and consciousness. It is said the heart chakra bridges the two, being strongly linked both to physical and emotional feelings.

When all chakras are open and balanced, the mind, body and spiritual self, are healthy and happy. Reiki is one of several techniques and methodologies which can 'open' or 'free' chakras that are blocked (which causes other chakras to become over-active), and thereby to restore a person's natural balance.

What happens in a Reiki healing/session?

This will vary but most Reiki practitioners will use their hands to channel the Reiki energy either by hovering their hands over the body or as I do with a very light touch to the body. The Reiki energy is innately intelligent and can tune in to the energy of your body, this allows the Reiki to go where it needs to for your highest good. As a Reiki Master we are able to facilitate this process further by using our own intuition and experience to guide the flow of energy to where it is needed most by placing our hands on these areas. Often this is not on or over the Chakra but on or over a body part or joint where energy and emotion tends to get blocked or stored.

What can you expect to feel during or after Reiki?

This is unique and different for everyone. My clients report feeling a deep sense of calm and clarity, as if a fog has been lifted. Others report feeling more grounded and connected to themselves or their heart allowing them to make better decisions and feel more in control of their life. For others it can be a spiritual experience; finding a deeper connection to Spirit, Source, or the Universe depending on your beliefs.

It is not unusual to fall asleep during Reiki, the body will take what it needs and you will still gain the same benefits as if you were awake. Many clients experience waves, tingling or hot and cold sensations, which is often a sign that energy is moving and/or emotion is releasing from the body. Others report feeling nothing at all until after the session is complete, an energy balance can take time to integrate and isn’t always immediate. When we move energy and emotion we also release toxins from the body and this can sometimes appear in the form of headaches, tiredness or nausea so it’s important to take time to nurture yourself after Reiki, stay warm and drink plenty of water or herbal tea. Whatever you experience you can be assured that Reiki can never be harmful and is always working in your highest good.

In my Reiki sessions some clients like to open up and share issues they are working through before we start. For others it’s a space to withdraw from the world, a space to find stillness, reconnect and recharge. I always leave time at the end of the Reiki to discuss the experience and any insights gained. Often this is the most profound moment of a healing, as Reiki will allow awareness to surface from your subconscious.

I can honestly say that Reiki changed my life. My first Reiki experience was deeply moving and it opened up a whole new way of perceiving myself and the world around me. It has taught me a new way to cope with daily stresses, as well as the bigger challenges that life throws at me.

So what is Reiki actually good for?

The simple answer is anything and everything but here are some examples:

• Relaxation - reducing stress and your reactions to stress
• Finding space to switch off and be still.
• Reducing pain and tension
• Managing and calming anxiety
• Fatigue and running on empty
• Irritability and mood swings
• Self-neglect, blame or negative self-talk
• Loss of direction or connection to self
• Emotional healing - dealing with loss or heartache
• Spiritual healing and guidance
• Connection to self
• Chronic muscle or physical pain
• Physical ailments and symptons

Is Reiki for Men?

YES Reiki is for Men! As I mentioned it is for anyone and everything. There is no doubt that more women than men are drawn to complimentary therapies. Women innately view things holistically and it is little wonder that an interest in holistic therapies would be a consequence of that fact. It is also commonly known that unlike women who tend to confide and share emotional issues with each other, most men never share at the same level with other men and so it is easy for emotion and energy to become blocked in the body.

Reiki can be a very passive process and often my male clients find it comforting to know that they can receive all the benefits of Reiki without having to enter into a discussion, if it is not comfortable for them to do so. An ethical Reiki practitioner does not interfere with your own life or provide you with answers. These are for you to find but after a good Reiki session you may feel as if a weight has been lifted, as if you have shared or got things off your chest even if you haven’t spoken. As a result stress and anxiety may feel reduced and answers to your inner problems may come to you more quickly.

Is Reiki safe during Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of life’s most beautiful and spiritual experiences. However, the journey to motherhood can also be accompanied by a number of different stressors on the mind, body and soul. Reiki offers healing energy not only to mothers-to-be, but also to their unborn babies.

At all stages Reiki is safe and can assist in reducing anxiety related to pregnancy & birth. Reiki can help expectant mums connect with their unborn baby. In all my experiences of working with pregnant women the energy of the baby is strong and present no matter what stage. An unborn baby will respond to the Reiki energy and depending on your stage can be felt moving in response almost immediately. It is completely safe for both mother and baby. Your growing baby will enjoy the soothing benefits of Reiki as it is passed from you to your unborn child during the session.

In my experience pregnant women who receive Reiki report feeling more relaxed, balanced and radiant after treatments. Reiki can also help you let go of any fears, anxieties or negative feelings you may be experiencing during your pregnancy. A good Reiki practitioner will make sure you are comfortable for you session, assist you with cushions or pillows and allow you to lie or sit in a position which is most suited to your needs.

Simply put Reiki is for everyone from unborns to newborns, toddlers, children, teenagers, adults young and old at any age. No matter what life stage or you are at you can benefit from Reiki.

Curious?

If you are curious or drawn to this modality of energy healing I encourage you to give it a go, there is a probably a reason you are intrigued. You should find a practitioner that resonates with you and that you feel comfortable with, we are all unique. Reiki should always be carried out in an environment where you feel completely safe and comfortable. You should feel cared for and nurtured by your Reiki practitioner. It is always my intention that clients will leave feeling safe, stable and calm. If you would like further information on Reiki and it’s benefits please don’t hesitate to contact me at hello@hhwithanna.com.

Hello

Welcome to Happy and Healthy with Anna. And my first blog!

This is kind of a big day for me. I have a new website and I’ve written my first blog post to go with it!! This may not seem like much to some but being public doesn’t come naturally to me. Unveiling myself online and expressing my thoughts, feelings, passions and experiences outside of my nearest and dearest is out of my comfort zone. I’m exposed. I feel vulnerable. Yet I constantly tell others that the best things happen when you push through your fears, when you surrender to vulnerability and step out of that all too familiar comfort zone. So here I am and here’s what I do at Happy and Healthy with Anna.

I have been practicing at my Bondi clinic for over 4 years and my passion is helping people find happiness and health on all levels of their being; emotional, physical, mental, energetic and spiritual. Working intuitively with Kinesiology, Reiki and other forms of energy healing and holistic therapies I help clients restore balance in their body, heart and mind.

My role in clinic is to help clients unravel stresses, and guide them to feel safe, stable & calm in a supportive and nurturing environment. For many of us self-care is one of those precious things that too often gets bumped to the bottom of the to do list. This is why when you make the choice to invest in yourself and your own wellbeing, the investment should extend well beyond the time that we have together in clinic. I want clients to leave feeling cared for, nurtured and loved.

My love for Kinesiology and Reiki, stems from not just experiencing their healing abilities but also from knowing that our bodies are innately intelligent and they know exactly what is needed to restore balance to the entire being. Despite what you may have been told your body is always working for you, not against you. That’s why I work with Kinesiology & Reiki, as both modalities allow your body to guide us. Your body will let us know what it is that is blocked so that you can gain insight and awareness into the root cause of a problem. It is with this insight that you are able to release and let go of the core issue or emotion of the imbalance.

In clinic I work with an array of issues from anxiety and insecurities to diagnosed diseases and chronic pain, from broken hearts and emotional or physical trauma to career challenges and transitions. The beautiful thing is you don’t even need to know what you are coming to see me for. You may just need a space to share, slow down and breathe. You have found me for a reason, trust in yourself and your body.

I didn't grow up with any form of energy healing in my life, it was something that came to me in my mid-twenties. Kinesiology initially brought balance to my body when I was experiencing a number of uncomfortable allergies, I was intrigued by this ‘magic’ and curious to learn more. A few years later I came across Reiki; a truly profound moment in my life. At a time when I was going through emotional trauma and heartache Reiki gave me comfort and peace. It was from here onward that I knew my purpose in this life form was to bring this healing to others and so began my journey with energy work, which continues to unfold in many surprising and beautiful ways.

If you have stress or anxiety in your life, if you have physical symptoms that just won’t go away no matter what you try, maybe you have a broken heart that won’t heal or perhaps you are seeking clarity and direction. I am here to help you. Share with me, slow down and breathe. hello@hhwithanna.com