Diamond Creek Natural Medicine Centre

26/07/2025

Chinese medicine is a circadian rhythm medicine. It understands how the ebbs and flows of the 24 hour day, seasons and environment influence our health.
The Chinese medicine horary clock relates a two hour time period with each organ system.
It is fascinating to discover how precise this is and how, yes, our health is at its best when we live within our circadian rhythm.
The organ and time cycle are as follows;

7-11am Spleen and Stomach
Time to Charge the Battery for the Day ahead
This is when the Digestion makes our Qi & Blood from the Food & Drink we consume.
This is when our digestion is at its strongest. Starting the day with a cup of warm water, then a nutritious breakfast will activate and nourish the body for the day.

***Often seen in clinic, are patients skipping breakfast or ‘intermittent fasting’ until 12pm. These people are often presenting with tiredness, hormone imbalance, brain fog, sluggish digestion, ‘tired but wired’, sleep problems. Dr Clancy makes time to deep dive in this area in clinic as it is so important to correct this. Our circadian rhythm is set that cortisol is higher in the morning to assist us to wake up and shift from sleep to awake. If we do not provide energy to our body through food (breaking-fast), then this (stress hormone) cortisol, remains high as we begin our day. If cortisol is activated long term then it begins to shut off normal circulation and our rest and reset organs - digestion, hormones, reproductive, brain.

11am-3pm Heart and Small Intestine
Blood Circulation
This time relates to the Heart. The Heart is equivalent to the Emperor in Chinese medicine. It sits high above the other organs (and metaphorically). Its Physiological role is to oxygenate blood and maintain circulation. Its emotion is Joy, this is the time to be creative and interact with the Yang aspect of the day.
The Small Intestines role is to ‘Seperate and Absorb’ further filtering the digestive process.

23/07/2025

Tim Howden is a highly experienced paediatric and family Naturopath, practising since 2005. He completed his formal studies at the Southern School of Natural Therapies in Melbourne and has developed expertise in treating eczema, digestive disorders, fatigue, chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune issues and recurrent infections. Drawing on his training in herbal, nutritional, homeopathic and environmental medicine, Tim takes a holistic approach to each patient, aiming to address the root cause of the dis-ease state.

Known for his kind and calm manner, he conducts thorough clinical assessments, incorporating Bioresonance testing and stress-based therapies to support lasting health outcomes.

Tim is available in the clinic on TUESDAY mornings/afternoon and THURS afternoon/evenings. Head to website www.dcnmc.com.au to book an appointment. Or curious to learn more? Book a complimentary discovery call with Tim.

22/07/2025

“What does the tongue tell you” is a very common question in a Chinese medicine consultation. “A lot!” As TCM Dr, we look at the tongue to get an insight in the overall temperature of the body (tongue colour), constitution (size), gut + liver detoxification (coating). Fluid metabolism can present on the tongue with swelling + tetchmark on the tongue edges. Pain can present with a purple tinge to the body color.

As a follow on from the last few posts regarding the importance of keeping warm in cold weather, making diet + lifestyle habits to support Yang energy which has a flow on effect on progesterone and overall hormone balance. This tongue depicts a pale colour, reflecting when Qi + Yang are low, there isn’t enough warmth to assist circulation, hence a lack of colour. I love tongue diagnosis as part of my TCM practice. Curious? Write me a line below. Clancy x

21/07/2025

Winter Hormone + Fertility No Goes. It is amazing what diet and lifestyle tweaks can do for your hormone health...and making changes in winter protects your Yang energy - correlates to progesterone. Want to know more? Drop me a line below, Clancy x

21/07/2025

You are the light and dark. The day and night. The sun and moon. The Summer and Winter. The ever changing rhythm. Credit

17/07/2025

You asked, we listened! Coming to the DCNMC Studio Space at the start of Spring are fortnightly QiGong classes with Dr. Tony Shih.

Join Dr. Tony Shih, a passionate Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, for a welcoming & energising Qigong class. With years of experience in acupuncture, herbal medicine & movement therapy, Dr. Tony creates a safe space for all levels. These are stand alone classes, come to one or come to all :) Dr Tony will meet you at whatever level you are and tailor individually.

Each class begins with a 10–15 minute intro on TCM theory, helping you understand the flow of Qi & how Qigong supports your health.

You’ll then be guided through gentle, mindful movements with plenty of breaks & encouragement. We’ll wrap up with a 5-minute group reflection, giving you space to share & connect. Come move, breathe & rebalance with us!

Held fortnightly in the DCNMC Studio Space:
1/5 Collins Street Diamond creek, 3089. 7:30pm-8:30pm. To book ahead of time, head to www.dcnmc.com.au (book under ‘Group Session’)

▪️3rd SEPT
▪️17th SEPT
▪️1st OCT
▪️15th OCT
▪️29th OCT
▪️12th NOV

14/07/2025

04/07/2025

NEW BLOG | OUT NOW | LINK IN BIO

‘A Naturopath’s Guide to Period Pain’ by Catie Haddrick

‘If you’ve ever found yourself relying on naprogesics, or curled up on the couch, missing work or school because of period pain, you’re far from alone. Painful periods, while common, are not something you just have to “put up with”. From a naturopaths perspective, menstrual pain is often a sign that your hormonal system is out of balance, and it’s worth exploring the underlying causes and ways to restore harmony’

Click the link@in@bio to read the full blog

03/07/2025

✨LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT✨

Hi, I’m Effie - a dedicated Bowen Therapist and Registered Nurse with over 25 years of experience in health and wellbeing. My professional background includes extensive work in oncology, haematology, and palliative care. I have also spent many years caring for and working closely with clients living with chronic and autoimmune conditions, providing both clinical support and holistic care tailored to their needs.
 
I have a special interest in women’s and children’s health, and a deep commitment to holistic healing.
 
My passion lies in supporting people on their journey to better health – combining my medical knowledge with gentle, therapeutic approaches like Bowen Therapy to help clients feel balanced, empowered, and well.
 
Bowen Therapy is a holistic technique, involving gentle, rolling movements over muscles, tendons, and ligaments, stimulating specific receptors that enable the body to correct dysfunctions and restore homeostasis (balance) across multiple systems. By activating the body’s innate healing mechanisms, Bowen Therapy can assist in long-term relief from both acute and chronic conditions. Please refer to my website for more information and for all conditions Bowen Therapy can be beneficial for.

As a special offer to the DCNMC community I am offering $15 off appointments booked in of July.

P: 0419 777 072

E: info@valleybowentherapy.com.au

W: https://www.valleybowentherapy.com.au/

03/07/2025

✨ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!✨

In Chinese meridian theory, we honour the element of water, which is closely related to our Kidneys and Bladder. The Kidneys are the root of your vitality and the home of your Jing—your essence, your reserves and your wisdom. Dr Clancy Street (Acupuncturist) and Lauren Daoulas (yoga teacher and yoga therapist) will guide you in nurturing these vital organs and promoting overall well-being during the colder months of Winter. This is a time to return inward. To slow. To soften.

YIN YOGA-Lauren Daoulas
Yin Yoga is a slow and nurturing style of yoga that involves holding poses for extended periods and targets deep connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, and joints. Yin Yoga is an invitation for deep rest, inward awareness, and quiet surrender. Throughout the session Lauren will support you with hands on touch.

ACUPUNCTURE-Dr Clancy Street
Dr Clancy will come around while you are in your Yin Yoga extended poses and gently place needles in specific points to support you during the Winter season.

When: Wednesday, 23rd JULY 2025

Where: DCNMC Studio Space 1/5 Collins Street, Diamond creek, 3089

Time: 7:30pm-9:00pm (please arrive 15 minutes earlier too settle in)

nvestment: $80.

Numbers are limited to just 8 people. Just 3 spots left! All levels welcome. All equipment supplied.

Don’t worry if you miss out on this event we will be running a SPRING Yin & Pin in September…

02/07/2025

It definitely feels like winter here in Diamond Creek, Victoria, Australia!

The Five Element theory is an important part of Chinese Medicine. It characterises the varying functionalities of the internal organs.
The Kidney is the organ associated with the season of Winter. Physiologically, the Kidney is a filtration system. It removes waste from the blood, and produces urine. It helps to control blood pressure, our electrolytes and fluid levels.
From a Chinese Medicine view, it is so much more!!! The Kidneys are the base, the foundation of our being. They store our Jing, which is our unique energetic essence. This is our genetic code, our connection with our ancestors and is our reproductive blueprint. Jing is connected to our growth and maturation and our genetic code that we pass on. The Yellow Emperors Classic states “the kidney is the place of true Yin and Yang and the base of hiding and the place of storing the essence”.

More quotes to demonstrate the importance of this organ system.

Jing holds the potential for the manifestation of heaven’s will as it exists uniquely within each human being

The first stage of dao corresponds to the element water which, like dao, represents the potential basis for all manifestations in life.

The spirit aspect of the Kidney is zhi, willpower. “The function of zhi (will) is to facilitate the interaction of Shen and Jing in a way that illuminates destiny as stored in our depths.”

When in disharmony, the emotion of the Kidney is fear. The kidney can become imbalanced from overwork (adrenal fatigue), too much standing or sexual activity or exposure to cold or poor diet or emotional strain or lack of quality sleep.

Winter is the most Yin within Yin seasons. Yin is quiet, dark, slow. This is the season to be restful. Reflective. Nourishing. Inward. Definitely most important to keep warm.