Claridge Naturopathics

24/08/2025

Last weekend I had the privilege of presenting at the International Integria Healthcare Practitioner Symposium, at the Sofitel in Brisbane.

To stand in front of around 300 practitioners and know that just as many more were tuning in online from across the world was both humbling and uplifting.

I shared my keynote on ‘The Formula for Flourishing’. It centred on the power of lifestyle coaching and focused on how to find our unique habit change bullseyes from the clutter of information we are now bombarded with. Although prescriptions can give momentum to our health, it is the changes we make in our lifestyle habits that deliver the true health rewards.

The best part of the weekend wasn’t just having the opportunity to share my presentation. It was being in the room with so many dedicated practitioners who care deeply about moving holistic healthcare forward.
The conversations, the curiosity, the insights, and learnings reminded me how powerful it is when we come together and learn from one another.

I left feeling inspired, energized and incredibly grateful for the chance to contribute, and for the connections with colleagues both old and new.

After more than 40 years of practice, my hope remains unchanged that together we continue to shape a world where people don’t just make it through each day, but rise each morning with the energy and spirit to truly flourish.

Take care,

Rob

21/08/2025

The daffodil doesn’t ask for much.

It pushes through the cold ground, first thing in spring, a splash of yellow against the grey. A reminder that light always finds its way back.

Today, this flower stands for more than the season changing.
It stands for fight.
For courage.
For hope when the road feels impossibly long.

We pause to honour the people who carry that fight every day, our patients, their families, their loved ones.

Your strength is stitched into the heart of our work.

For four decades, Rob has walked alongside you.
Listening.
Learning.
Sharing in your battles.

That trust is something we never take lightly.
You are always in our thoughts, but today, on Daffodil day, we hold you a little closer.

With love,

The Claridge Naturopathics team

08/07/2025

It’s officially week — the countdown is on 🏁

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing tips, reminders, and insights to help you prepare both physically and mentally for Sunday’s Half Marathon.

This week is about more than just logging the last few easy kilometres — it’s about supporting your body with recovery, hydration, mindset, and the right fuel so you can show up on the start line feeling strong.

If you’re running, I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
If you’re supporting someone who is — tag them to follow along.

Let’s make this your smoothest race week yet.

10/05/2025

ANXIETY IN CHILDREN

Fear and worry are normal emotions that keep us safe and help us in challenging situations.

However, when these emotions become overwhelming or chronic, they make it hard to cope with everyday life. Children with anxiety disorders experience episodes of pronounced mental or physical symptoms, often with a high level of constant background worrying.

There is evidence to suggest that when this heightened stress response occurs during childhood, the adrenal activation remains permanently dysfunctional, creating a lifelong predisposition to anxiety and other affective disorders.

The development of anxiety is a result of a complex interplay of factors such as genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental stressors and protective factors including neurotransmitter balance, systemic and neuro inflammation, microbiome balance, hormones and oxidative stress.

(To continue reading Sarah Harris N.D's post, along with some suggested, naturopathic treatment for anxiety in children, please click the link below).

https://claridgenaturopathics.com.au/anxiety-in-children/

As a Paediatric Naturopath, I support children and families in navigating the complexities of anxiety through a holistic and individualised approach. By addressing both the root causes and the symptoms of anxiety, we can help children find balance and support their emotional well-being.

It is incredibly important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating anxiety, and a combination of herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments can work synergistically to help children regain their sense of calm and control.

With the right guidance and support, children can develop the tools they need to manage their anxiety effectively and build resilience for the future. If you’re concerned about your child’s anxiety, I would love to work with you to create a tailored plan that supports their physical and emotional health.

If you would like to make an appointment, please call our friendly reception team on (03) 5221 8220, or book online via our website.

Yours thoughtfully and in good health.

Sarah

Discover how to identify anxiety in children and understand when normal fears turn into challenges that impact everyday life.

23/04/2025

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗬 & 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗘!

In 2019, the federal government removed private health insurance rebates for patients of naturopaths and Western herbalists—a decision that deeply impacted our community.

Since then, our professional body, the NHAA, has been working tirelessly to advocate for change.

Last week, we finally got the news we’ve all been waiting for:
The Federal Health Minister has accepted the recommendation of the Natural Therapy Review to reinstate private health insurance rebates for naturopathy and Western herbal medicine!

We’re absolutely thrilled. This is a huge win that will help ease some of the financial strain on our clients—especially with the current cost of living pressures.

What happens next?

Although the decision has been accepted, due to the upcoming federal election and caretaker conventions, the regulatory changes can’t be implemented just yet.

But don’t worry—we're ready to hit the ground running as soon as the regulations are updated.

Stay tuned!

We’ll keep you updated as things progress.

Thank you (as always) for your ongoing support,

The Claridge Naturopathics team

15/03/2025

I am sure you have all heard the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but do you truly know what it looks like in everyday life and how it presents in men?

ADHD is characterised by a consistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that disrupts daily functioning or development.

You might recognise yourself or someone you know, displaying one or both of these traits.

The following is what ADHD can look like:

𝗜𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲
- Attention to detail is not your thing. You make little mistakes
- You start tasks but do not finish them as you are distracted or sidetracked easily
- Difficulty organising tasks and meeting deadlines
- Avoid tasks that increase your mental load/exhaustion
- You are often forgetful with meetings and events

𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲/𝗜𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲
- You feel like you are working twice as hard just to keep up.
- You fidget, tap hands and/or move feet
- You can hyper-focus on hobbies but struggle with routine tasks
- You get tasks done at the last minute
- Inability to sit still for a period of time
- Often talk excessively, finish others' sentences, or talk over others.

Did you know ADHD can cause or accompany other issues?

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲:

- Anxiety/Depression
- Cognitive changes/ brain fog
- Substance abuse
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fatigue
- Sleep disorders

As a Naturopath, specialising in Men’s Health, I support the correction of imbalances, deficiencies and removal of sustaining factors in ADHD and many other presentations.

If you would like to discuss this further, I would love to support you.

Book in an appointment by calling our reception team 03 5221 8220 or you can book online via our website.

Take care,

Matt

28/02/2025

MAXIMISING CHILDREN’S LEARNING & THE COMPLEXITIES OF BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

“Early learning is easiest, most enriching, and most efficient developmentally when experienced live, interactively, in real time and space, and with real people.” (Ponti M).

Every day in the clinic, I have the fabulous opportunity to identify and address the impacts of many of the influencing factors on learning in children. The most common factors begin with in-utero health, nutritional inadequacy, technology exposure, stress, anxiety, ADHD and dyslexia.

Did you know:
• Dietary fibre intake and the health of the microbiome prior to pregnancy is crucial to infant neurodevelopment?
• Certain nutrients during pregnancy, such as lutein and zeaxanthin found in leafy greens and egg yolks, can contribute to better verbal intelligence and behaviour regulation in mid-childhood?
• Common nutritional deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, EPA/ DHA and choline during infancy and beyond, often predispose children to brain and nervous system conditions and when resolved; enhance cognitive abilities.

Technology has changed the way children learn. This is another aspect of our children’s healthy cognitive development that we can influence.

(To read more from Sarah Harris, N.D. and discover how to optimise your child's learning whilst navigating the complexities of brain development, click the link below).

As a Paediatric Naturopath, I support children and families in fostering cognitive development through simple, non-invasive, and safe interventions. By addressing key aspects of health, we can help children thrive and prevent future challenges.

To make an appointment call our friendly reception team on (03) 5221 8220, or you can also book online via our website.

Yours thoughtfully and in good health.

Sarah

Maximising children’s learning & the complexities of brain development. Every day, I have the fabulous opportunity to identify and address the impacts and influencing factors on children's learning.

22/02/2025

HOW MOVEMENT, BREATHWORK & MINDFULNESS CALM THE MIND

If you have visited any of the team at Claridge Naturopathics, I am sure you would have been introduced to the benefits of yoga, meditation, and nasal breathing.

Yoga enhances physical well-being by improving range of motion, reducing muscle tension, and preventing injuries. It also promotes mental relaxation, helping to lower stress and anxiety.

Yoga practices that include meditation and nasal breathing particularly provide both the physical and mental relaxation effects. These could include a lowered blood pressure, improved breathing and more restful sleep.

Clinical studies are uncovering the positive chemical changes in the brain that result from practicing yoga.

Currently, anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring psychiatric condition in the world, affecting around 16% of the global population at some point in their lifetime (1). Research shows that Australians are not immune to the impacts of debilitating stress, low moods, and heightened anxiety.

So, what could be a key factor behind this?

To continue reading Matthew Burrell - Naturopath N.D's post on the benefits of movement, breathwork and mindfulness calm the mind, click the link below.

If you are looking for a natural way to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support your overall well-being, why not give yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness a try? Start small—take a few deep nasal breaths, stretch your body, or set aside a few minutes for meditation.

Your mind and body will thank you!

If you have questions or want to learn more, feel free to make an appointment by calling our friendly reception team on (03) 5221 8220, or book online via our website.

As we would love to continue to support you.

Have a great week.

Matt

References:
(1) Khajuria A, Kumar A, Joshi D, Kumaran SS. Reducing stress with yoga: A systematic review based on multimodal biosignals. Int J Yoga 2023;16:156-70

If you've visited Claridge Naturopathics, I am sure you would have been introduced to the benefits of breathwork and mindfulness.

01/02/2025

At Claridge Naturopathics, we take a holistic approach to health and well-being, addressing all areas of your life.

Whilst everyone on our team is skilled across several concerns, each of us has our specialties that we are truly passionate about.

These specialties include:

Rob
• Autoimmune Conditions: Supporting conditions affecting the bowel, joints, skin, and thyroid.
• Cancer Support: Holistic care for those navigating cancer.
• Chronic Illness: Addressing long-term health issues that haven’t responded to conventional treatments.
• Neuromuscular Health: Techniques to relax, realign, and improve range of motion for those with neuro-musculoskeletal concerns.

Sarah
• Infants & Under 5s: Managing colic, ear infections, rashes, teething, and providing dietary education
• Children (5+) & Teens: Addressing concerns like acne, ADD/ADHD, behavioural challenges, and recurrent illnesses.
• Women’s Health: Specialising in endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, PMS, menstrual issues, and menopause.

Matt
• Men’s Health: Supporting such issues as stress management, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, infertility, low libido, and prostate health.
• Neuromuscular Health: Helping to relax, realign, and improve range of motion for those with neuro-musculoskeletal complaints.

Claire (please note that Claire is currently on maternity leave)
• Conception & Pregnancy: Including fertility support, IVF assistance, pre-conception care, pregnancy, and post-natal health.
• Fatigue & Low Energy: Managing issues like anaemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hypoglycaemia.
• Women’s Health: Supporting endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, PMS, menstrual issues, and menopause.

If you'd like to book with a specific practitioner in one of the above-listed areas, this is where we truly shine. Otherwise please know that we are all trained and proficient in general naturopathic practice.

We understand that your health is unique, and therefore requires a customised approach.

In our Clinic, we promise you will be listened to, supported, educated and motivated toward your health goals.

We look forward to supporting you on your health journey.

The Claridge Naturopathics team

30/01/2025

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S ‘NERVOUS TUMMY’

As a paediatric naturopath, a common concern I hear from parents is their child’s ‘nervous tummy,’ particularly during transitions like returning to school or kinder.

My own children, aged 11, 13, and 16, have experienced this recently as well. It’s a symptom I also see in adults— as just yesterday, I treated both a school teacher and a parent with similar issues.

If your child experiences butterflies, frequent toilet trips, or even complaints of tummy pain, these could all be signs of an overactive nervous system in response to stress or change.

Children’s digestive systems are incredibly sensitive, and their gut is closely connected to their brain through the gut-brain axis. When kids feel anxious or overwhelmed, it’s no surprise that their tummies are one of the first places to show it.

(To continue reading Sarah Harris N.D's post, along with some suggested gentle, natural ways to help, please click the link below).

If your child struggles with ongoing tummy troubles, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Things like sleep patterns, diet, and emotional well-being all play a role in a healthy nervous system. I would love to help you with a tailored approach for your child which can make all the difference.

To make an appointment call our friendly reception team on 03 5221 8220, or you can also book online via our website.

Here’s to supporting your little ones in feeling calm, confident, and ready to embrace the exciting journey ahead!

I look forward to seeing their smiling faces after school, as we prepare to do it all again the next day!

Yours in good health,

Sarah

A common concern I hear from parents is their child’s 'nervous tummy,' particularly during transitions like returning to school or kinder.

19/01/2025

YOU CAN NOW BOOK ONLINE

A friendly reminder that you can book online appointments with our practitioners, Sarah Harris and Matt Burrell.

This feature empowers you to schedule your consultations at a time that works best for you.

If you prefer to speak to our friendly reception team please call (03) 52218220 or simply pop into our clinic and we will be delighted to help.

To book online, simply follow the link in our bio, or visit our website (www.claridgenaturopathics.com.au) and click the ‘BOOK NOW’ button.

At Claridge Naturopathics, we are committed to a collaborative approach to healthcare, helping you achieve your strongest, healthiest self.

Sarah, Matt, and the entire team are here to guide and support you every step of the way.

18/01/2025

YOUR HEALTH JOURNEY, YOUR WAY

At Claridge Naturopathics we are here to support you no matter where you are or how you prefer to connect.

1. IN PERSON
We are passionate about offering face-to-face consultations tailored to your unique needs.
We offer compassionate listening, unhurried appointments, and genuine connections to help you feel truly heard, valued, and supported every step of the way.

2. TELEHEALTH
Whether you’re caring for children, unable to travel, or living far away and unable to make it to the clinic- we are just a phone call away!
Our telehealth services bring personalised care and guidance straight to you—because your health and convenience matter to us.

3. ONLINE
If a video call is more convenient, we’ve got you covered.
Sometimes, seeing each other face-to-face (even if it is virtually!) makes all the difference. This technology has allowed us to care for people all over the globe, helping you achieve your health goals from wherever you are.

As always, your health and comfort are our top priorities.

Let us help you feel empowered, supported, and nurtured on your health journey.

Book your appointment today, by calling our friendly reception team (03) 52218220 or you can book online no matter where you are!

We look forward to supporting you.

The Claridge Naturopathics team

Image credit: Erik Holt photography