Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis - Nutrient & Toxic Element Pathology

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis:

Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury  exposures can be harmful to health even at low doses.  Aluminium, whilst not considered to be a heavy metal, behaves like one in the human body. 

Low dose concurrent exposure to heavy metals can lead to accumulation and toxicity in the body. 

Where do they come from?

• Mercury - fish, foods, vaccines, dental fillings, tattooing, cosmetics, insecticides, rice, cleaning products

• Cadmium - Cigarette smoke, air pollution, metal coatings, plastics, cosmetics, shellfish, some foods

• Lead - lead based paints, house dust, leaded petrol and car exhaust, lead pipes, contaminated soil, cigarette smoke, hair dyes, cooking equipment

• Arsenic - water, foods, cosmetics, 

• Aluminium - foods & cans, cooking equipment, water, airborne dust, cosmetics, Deodorants, medicine

Health risks of chronic heavy metal exposures & accumulations:

• Mercury - Lung & renal damage, lowered immunity, cardiovascular issues, neurological impacts, ASD, ADHD 

• Cadmium - Liver & Kidney damage, bone demineralisation, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, Neurotoxic effects: impairment to cognition, mood & behaviour *both adults and children, Pregnancy risks

• Lead - Paralysis, muscular weakness, Allergies, anaemia, Pregnancy and reproductive toxicity, cancers (lung & bladder), weight loss, vitamin D deficiency, cardiovascular, neuropathy, neurotoxicity, Psychosis, ASD, Dyslexia, ADHD

• Arsenic - cancers (Lung, bladder, liver, kidney & Skin), cardiovascular issues, pulmonary disease, Pregnancy risks to child

• Aluminium - Accumulates in brain, bone, liver & kidney, may interfere with glucose metabolism, IBS, ASD, Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Breast cancers

Why use hair over blood to measure minerals and chronic exposures to heavy metals -

• Hair specimens can be collected more quickly and easily than blood, urine, or any other tissue, using a non-invasive method.

• Hair analysis is more cost-effective than mineral testing through other means.

• Unlike blood, hair is less susceptible to the homeostatic mechanisms that quickly affect trace element levels.

• Long-term deviations of mineral retention or losses are more easily detected in hair than blood.

• Hair testing reveals key information about your level of metabolic activity.

• Concentrations of most elements in the hair are significantly higher than found in the blood and other tissues.

• Hair provides a record of past as well as present trace element levels, i.e. biological activity.

• Hair provides information of substances entering the hair from the blood serum as well as from external sources.

• Hair is invaluable in the assessment of toxic metal levels.

• Hair testing measures mineral imbalances that can directly affect related vitamin activity.

All information for Hair testing can be found here:
https://interclinical.com.au/htma-pathology/

Current testing costs $198 - Interclinical have announced a price rise as of 1/01/2025 up to $270 for Testing & Report.  If you have been sitting on the fence and wishing to do the test let me know asap so we can order before the end of the year.  My last day in the clinic will be 20/12/2025 returning 8/1/2025.

Last appointments for 2024 for: 

Acupuncture & Cupping
Naturopath Treatment

Make an appointment here: 
https://www.nicola-pilon-naturopath.com/




If you have private extras - use them up before you lose them at the end of the year! 
 

The benefits of Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping :

An effective treatment approach in the treatment of acute and chronic conditions:

Pain management - cupping helps to relieve muscle tension and promotes circulation

arthritis, neck and shoulders tension headaches, vertigo, frozen shoulder

knee issues, sciatica, hip stiffness

women's health: all aspects of regulating a healthy menstrual cycle - PCOS, Endometriosis, amenorrhea & painful periods

Preconception, fertility, pregnancy breech and post partum care

Chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression & Insomnia

colds, flu, sinusitis & allergies *Seasonal hay fever

Naturopathic Treatment - get to the root cause of your illness and fatigue:

Special interests in supporting women through all life stages from fertility, pregnancy and hormonal regulation through to wise woman transition and beyond.

Prevention is always better than the cure !

Gain back energy and vitality
Feel lighter and improve digestion 
Learn how to eat optimally for nutrient absorption 
Functional pathology testing 
Heavy metal testing 
Food Intolerances


March Detox 2025 -
*Next round more info to be sent out early 2025 for those wanting Detox support
- Kicking off with a 2 week detox will help give your digestive system a rest and help to recharge after the excessiveness of holidays and the festive months.

Who is this detox for:
If you answer "yes" to any of the following signs and symptoms - this is for you:

• Low energy

• Foggy head and poor concentration

• Gut issues: bloating, irregular bowel movements, reflux

• Skin conditions/irritations - Acne

• Headaches

• Recurring candida/thrush 

• Food intolerances or noticeable reactions to gluten + dairy but still consuming 

• Hormonal imbalances 

Signing up to this group will gain you access to a private supported closed FB page that offers:

• Encouragement

• Accountability - always better with friends

• Recipe ideas - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks 

• Sharing your wins 

• Questions answered by a Qualified Health Practitioner

• Access to the best quality Practitioner only Products 

To get the most out of your detox program I would suggest a 4 week commitment. This will be done in 2 week blocks, the first 2 weeks will be supported through the FB page or via email. The second 2 week block if you are able to continue will be done independently.  I will be available via email to answer questions for the second 2 week block.
 

Who is this detox NOT for:

• If you are pregnant or lactating 

• If you are actively trying to conceive you may follow the detox diet but the supplementation will need to be modified * please contact me if this is you. 

Acupuncture sessions may be claimed on private health rebates with HiCaps available in clinic. 

*check with your provider if covered under your extras for Acupuncture

IVF Acupuncture & Naturopathy

FERTILITY MODERN-DAY CHALLENGES: NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF STARTING A FAMILY

HOW CAN NATUROPATHY & ACUPUNCTURE ASSIST:

Fertility - monitoring cycles to support a healthy reproductive system: natural approaches to regulating cycle and balancing hormonal cascades. fertility education & awareness

Male Reproductive health: Improving sperm quality/quantity

IVF - Acupuncture: timed treatments throughout the IVF cycle, embryo transfer and implantation support

Pregnancy, post natal & breastfeeding

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the journey towards starting a family has become increasingly complex. Modern-day challenges in fertility have posed significant obstacles, both physical and emotional, for individuals and couples alike. Let's explore some of these challenges and the strategies that can help navigate this intricate path.
1. Delayed Parenthood and Age-Related Concerns
One of the most prominent modern-day challenges is the trend towards delayed parenthood. Factors such as career aspirations, financial stability, and personal development have led many individuals to postpone starting a family until later in life. However, as age increases, fertility rates naturally decrease, making conception more challenging.
To tackle this challenge, it is crucial to prioritize awareness and education regarding fertility preservation options. Women who wish to conceive later in life may consider methods like egg freezing, which allows them to preserve their fertility potential while still pursuing their goals.
2. Increased Prevalence of Reproductive Disorders
Another challenge that has emerged in recent times is the increased prevalence of reproductive disorders. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and male factor infertility have become more common, affecting fertility rates and making conception more difficult.
To address these challenges, seeking professional help from a fertility specialist, such as a Naturopath or Acupuncturist is highly recommended. These specialists can conduct comprehensive assessments, provide targeted treatments, and offer invaluable guidance tailored to individual circumstances.
3. Lifestyle Factors and Environmental Impacts
The fast-paced and modern lifestyle we lead today has had significant implications for fertility. Factors such as poor dietary choices, high-stress levels, sedentary habits, and exposure to environmental toxins have all been linked to reduced fertility rates.
In response to these challenges, taking a proactive approach towards lifestyle modifications becomes vital. Adopting a well-balanced diet, enhancing stress management techniques, incorporating regular exercise, and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals can positively impact fertility health.
4. Emotional Toll and Mental Well-being
The emotional toll of struggling with fertility challenges cannot be overstated. The desire to start a family, coupled with difficulties in conceiving, can lead to feelings of frustration, sadness, and even depression.
Acknowledging and openly discussing these emotions is essential. Seeking emotional support from loved ones, joining support groups, or consulting with a mental health professional specialized in fertility-related concerns can bring comfort, understanding, and guidance through this journey.
5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and Ethical Dilemmas
The advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have opened new doors for couples struggling with infertility.
Navigating these dilemmas requires open and honest communication with healthcare providers and partners.
Conclusion
The modern world presents unique challenges to those desiring to start a family. Delayed parenthood, reproductive disorders, lifestyle factors, emotional tolls, and ethical dilemmas are some of the obstacles that individuals and couples face. By being proactive, seeking professional help, making lifestyle modifications, and prioritizing emotional well-being, it is possible to navigate these challenges and embark on a successful journey towards building a family. Fertility - modern day challenges.

2 Week Supported Spring Detox

Join the Spring Detox Group - Gather your friends - Lets do it together!

Payment is to be made via direct deposit

(details below)

Once $39 is received please email me at

nicolapilonnaturopath@gmail.com so that I

can send out an intake form to you, along

with the link to the closed FB group.

If you are not on FB Please let me know and I

will email all recipes and outline ways to

optimise your detox.

To get the most out of your detox program I

would suggest a 4 week commitment. This

will be done in 2 week blocks, the first 2

weeks will be supported through the FB

page or via email. The second 2 week block

if you are able to continue will be done

independently. I will be available via email to

answer questions for the second 2 week

block.

Who is this detox NOT for:

If you are pregnant or lactating

If you are actively trying to conceive you

may follow the detox diet but the

supplementation will need to be

modified * please contact me if this is

you.

Now is the perfect time to begin your Spring

Detox

Kicking off with a 2 week detox will help to

give your digestive system a rest and help to

recharge after the heavy months of Winter.

Who is this detox for:

If you answer "yes" to any of the following

signs and symptoms - this is for you:

Low energy

Foggy head and poor concentration

Gut issues: bloating, irregular bowel

movements, reflux

Skin conditions/irritations - Acne

Headaches

Recurring candida/thrush

Food intolerances or noticeable

reactions to gluten + dairy but still

consuming

Hormonal imbalances

Your Investment: $39

+ Optional *Naturopathic supplements to

optimise your Detox program

Signing up to this group will gain you access

to a private supported closed FB page that

offers:

Encouragement

Accountability - always better with

friends

Recipe ideas - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner &

Snacks

Sharing your wins

Questions answered by a Qualified

Health Practitioner

Access to the best quality Practitioner

only Products

Food Intolerance test

Health rebates are available in clinic now with HI CAPS terminal For Acupuncture sessions

Make an Appointment

Food sensitivities can cause a wide range of symptoms and disorders. The foods that cause these delayed reactions are often hard to diagnose because of the time between consumption and the physical reaction.

By testing IgG antibody responses for 96 different foods will help to identify delayed reactions and highlight the foods that may be upsetting your digestion.   Elimination of the identified trigger foods allows the gut to reduce in pain and inflammation and begin to heal the gut lining in cases of intestinal permability (leaky gut).

The IgG food intolerance test offers a useful tool for detecting the foods causing this response. The results are patient specific and provide an easy, precise and effective starting point for dietary manipulation.   Testing can be done by spot card or blood draw. 

IgG - delayed reactions may present as:

Anxiety
Nausea 
Headaches
Bloating & Gas
Diarrhoea/Constipation
Acid reflux
Joint aches
Fatigue
Mood Changes
Hyperactivity
Brain Fog/poor cognition/memory issues 

Common conditions associated with Food intolerances left unchecked:

• Asthma

• Headaches

• Eczema

• Fatigue

• Irritable Bowel

• Sinusitis

• Migraines

• Arthritis

96 general foods IgG food intolerance testing - $270 

Make an appointment today to discuss testing options. 

*Testing is recommended for children over 18 months old.

Modern Day Women - How to avoid Nervous system Crisis: As a preventative health care approach:

As modern day women - we are busier than ever! Somedays it feels that we have had a full day of run arounds before we even sit down at our desk to start work!

There are two sides to the Nervous system - Sympathetic nervous system: Flight or fight and the Parasympathetic nervous system: Rest and digest.

We generally spend more time in our sympathetic nervous system/flight or fight even when we exercise we are in our flight or fight we are constantly switched on.

Why is this not a good thing? - The flight and fight system keeps our cortisol levels elevated: which is our essential survival hormone but too much wrecks havoc on our hormone system and further more can create inflammation in the body.

When our nervous system is in over drive flight and fight our Adrenal system is working harder than it should be to keep up with all the elevated cortisol.

We've all heard the term "Burn out" before!

How to avoid Nervous system Crisis - As a preventative health care approach:

DIET

Choose a diet that is a good clean unprocessed wholefoods diet, one that is rich in colour and full of antioxidants - fresh veggies/fruit and good quality proteins.

Stay Hydrated aiming for 1-2 litres of filtered water in a day

Intermittent fasting isn't for everyone, if you are already depleted I would suggest now is not the right time! Eat consistently and adopt conscious eating - chew well! This will aid digestion, nutrient absorption and reduce bloating. *It may be time for a reset!

SLEEP:

Our bodies love routine, aim to get to bed by 10pm. Incorporate good sleep hygiene practices for a deeper sleep.

warm bath before bed with epsom salts and lavender oil

Phones away and switched to airplane mode.

EXERCISE:

When you are well rested you are more likely to move your body more - this gains strength, stamina, builds muscle and bone density all important for ageing well.

EXERCISE

Tune into your energy levels and build stamina slowly, Incorporate the exercise that you enjoy doing: walking, swimming, bushwalking, bike riding.

YOGA:

Yoga is a great way to rebalance the nervous system back into rest and digest mode. Nurtures Mind, Body & Soul.

MASSAGE:

Along with Yoga, regular massages is another nurturing modality to drop you back into rest and digest mode. Aim to schedule a massage every 1-2 months.

SELF RETREAT

Take a break - plan that holiday, head away with your girlfriends for some care free fun that overfills your joy cup again!

RESTORE THE BALANCE:

Fill your tool box up with all of your self nurture tools - you have the power within yourself to help self regulate when needed. Deep breathing and try some: EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique for grounding yourself back into your body when you are experiencing overwhelm.

https://www.thetappingsolution.com/tapping-101/#sequence

OTHER THERAPIES:

ACUPUNCTURE

Try Acupuncture - which supports balancing the nervous system, women's hormones - regulating cycle, digestive issues, sleep and insomnia, anxiety & weight management.

Nurture & Nourishment - Self Care

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION & BALANCE is the take home message for today and if you are feeling any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above from a nervous system in crisis it may be time for a reset in Diet and lifestyle approaches - make an appointment and start your journey back to vitality!

Acupuncture or self-administered Acupressure for anxiety relief

Anxiety is a condition that is recognised as becoming a very common disorder impacting on both mental and physical conditions (Kwon & Lee, 2018).  Currently anxiety disorders amounts as the largest group of psychological disorders with a prevalence of 7.6% in countries such as China alone (Yang et al., 2021).

Anxiety is characterised as a sensation or feeling that is an unpleasant anticipation or a response to stress from a perceived threat.  Symptoms associated with anxiety are manifested as:  excessive worry, or tension felt through the muscles and/or jaw, fatigue, insomnia, increased heart rate, and sweating.  Higher states of anxiety are associated with:  headaches, nausea and an inability to concentrate (Au et al., 2015). 

Current conventional treatments and methods for managing anxiety include the administration of pharmacological medications and/or psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).  However, the present mainstream treatments are not always risk free with medications having many known side effects and CBT offering only transient therapy at times (Au et al., 2015). 

Research into acupuncture or acupressure within clinical settings are showing promising results for the efficacy and safety as alternatives or adjunct therapies in supporting the reduction and management of anxiety presentations (Au et al., 2015).

In addition to acupuncture where fine needles are inserted into acupoints, acupressure is another method that can be used.  Acupressure is defined as pressure applied to acupoints rather than needling used in acupuncture therapy. It has become an increasingly popular technique due to being non-invasive and can be administered to all age groups and also has the advantage of once being shown how to appropriately apply can be self-administered.  Clinically, acupressure has a broad application and can be utilised for conditions such as:  pain management, insomnia, dyspnoea, nausea and vomiting (Au et al., 2015).

A Systematic review from 2015 by AU et al. showed collated research from five Random Control Trials (RCTs) showed positive benefits of acupressure, providing immediate relief in the reduction of anxiety when administered to patients experiencing anxiety from pre-surgery anticipation.  Although, the review was small in numbers it was considered the trials themselves were well reported with low risk of bias (Au et al., 2015).

Another review study of 2018 by Kwon and Lee supports the benefits of either acupuncture or acupressure when applied to patients with preoperative anticipatory anxiety and reported of the five RCTs reviewed all subjects self-reported positive outcomes in the reduction of anxiety. The study also states larger trials are required in this area.  The Main acupoint utilised was yintang  (EX-HN 3) located between the eyebrows, an acupoint known to have a calming and stabilising effect.  The study reports the benefits of ease in which parents of children awaiting surgery can administer a specific acupuncture sticker on EX-HN 3 to induce a calming effect ­­­(Kwon & Lee, 2018). Another commonly used point known for its calming effect is HT7 the seventh point of the heart meridian, shown to having a balancing action on GABA and serotonin systems.  The point is located at the ulnar aspect at the transverse crease of the wrist making it accessible for self-administered acupressure or applying stick on acupoint seeds that can be stimulated by the user (Son, 2019). 

Auricular acupuncture acupoints Shenmen and Relaxation have also shown positive benefits in reducing anxiety in a preoperative setting (Tu et al., 2019).  A 2001 study by wang and Kain divided a group of 55 subjects into 3 randomised groups – 1 x Shenmen acupoint group, 1 x Relaxation acupoint group and the other the Sham acupoint group.  The points can be seen below in Fig 1.  Following the study the authors concluded there was a significant benefit of auricular acupuncture for the reduction of anxiety using press acupuncture needles over a 48 hour period (Wang & Kain, 2001).

A more recent systematic review of 2021 presented by Yang et al. reviewed twenty (RCTs) for the efficacy of acupuncture for patients suffering from generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).  The review concluded that acupuncture therapy was more effective in reducing anxiety compared to the control group.  Although, it also concluded that more quality randomised control trials were needed in this area to reveal and to see the full benefits that acupuncture and acupressure can provide in the treatment of anxiety disorders (Yang et al., 2021). 

From the above it can be seen that acupuncture and acupressure certainly can provide an alternative or as an adjunct to current therapies that are cost effective, easily accessible and have no or minimal side effects. Both acupuncture and acupressure have been shown to be safe with reports of efficacy in supporting and managing anxiety disorders with the added advantage of acupressure, where the patient can self administer when feeling overwhelmed

Acupressure

Self - administered anytime and anywhere. Learning how to self nurture

Learn more

Refresh & Restart

Offering both Naturopathic Consultations & Acupuncture:

Offering unique treatment sessions that encompass in depth care tailored and individualised to your presentations.  You can choose either Naturopathic consultations or Acupuncture to get started we can then discuss the best forms of treatment (or both) in supporting you back to vitality. 

The benefits of Acupuncture & Naturopathy: 

• Low energy & Chronic fatigue 

• Insomnia & sleep issues 

• Pain management - Reduce inflammation, sciatica, lower back pain, shoulder, hip & knee issues 

• mental health and emotional well-being: supporting the nervous system - anxiety, low mood, depression

• Seasonal allergies & Hayfever 

• Strengthen immunity & chronic health conditions

• Preconception & fertility issues/PCOS/endometriosis

• women's health -  Hormone balancing & supporting Menstrual cycles

• pregnancy - breech & post partum care

• General Well-being & Vitality

• Support with addiction & stop smoking

 

Vital.ly practitioner quality supplements - Expiry Reminder

Scripts dispensed via Vital.ly *practitioner only supplements will expire within 12 months.  If you have expiring scripts or need a review of supplement updates - please book in for an assessment to see if this supplement is the best for you right now or if things have changed for you.

Now that we are nearing the end of Summer and our festive season we will all start retreating inwards - a great time for shedding and renewal.  Time for rebalancing digestion and focus on maintaining vitality. 
 

For existing Naturopath patients - you will receive 20% discount off your first initial acupuncture session!

For Naturopathy returns - If it has been over 12 months since your last consult you will need to book a longer appointment session.   

Business as usual until further notice ...

Optimise Immune Vitality - your greatest defence against the seasons

Are you someone that gets sick every change of season?Or if you've come in contact with someone that is ill?

By strengthening and optimising your immune system now you can start to break the cycle and let your immune system ward off all that you come in contact with.

Best Immune Hacks!

Washing your hands regularly helps to stop the spread of infections

If you have gut issues chances are this has slowly chipped away at your immune system - good gut health creates a great defence

Arm yourself with supportive nutrients to create an armour against those bad bugs!

Beneficial Naturopathic immune supports involves an assessment of immune responses acute and chronic presentations based on thorough case history taking.

You can now make a booking online at:  Phone consultations are available and may be booked online via the below website - if you are unsure please phone me: 0433048430
http://www.nicola-pilon-naturopath.com/contact

Copyright © 2019, Nicola Pilon Naturopath, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
E: nicolapilonnaturopath@gmail.com

Naturopathic Fertility Support

Naturopathic approaches greatly supports optimal fertility outcomes for couples. Working with both male and females in improving sperm count, motility, morphology (shape) and DNA integrity and for women improve egg quality for conception and best outcome pregnancies.
Naturopathy also works in support of IVF positive outcomes - managing and reducing stress around cycles. Working in collaboration with your clinic for best healthcare support.

One door closes and another opens...

2019 has been a busy year for me with returning to study and I can hardly believe already one year down for my
*Masters of Acupuncture*
with another 2 to go!
It is for this reason I have decided to direct my energy into the one clinic.

I will now be operating from my Bendigo clinic space only - Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. For my clients in Castlemaine alternate arrangements can be made if necessary. 

If it's been awhile since you've had a Naturopathic assessment now is a great time to get your gut balanced and geared up for the festive season ahead.

You can now book online using the below link:

http://www.nicola-pilon-naturopath.com/about

Phone today and ask to have your ongoing practitioner only prescription set up for ordering and delivery if travelling long distances.  
M:  0433048430