Autumn Falk Naturopath

01/12/2025

Did you know that you can purchase gift cards through my website?

Autumn-falk-naturopath.co.nz/gift-cards/

Gift a loved one a Shiatsu treatment or help them towards any of my services.

Much appreciated,
Autumn

01/12/2025

What an interesting article....did you know that our menstrual blood could help us women to find out more about our hormonal health?

"Menstrual blood—long dismissed as waste—is emerging as a powerful, untapped resource for diagnosing reproductive and gynaecological diseases, thanks to a new wave of femtech startups and research groups."

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ed4dKTxqu/

Now this is some inspiring stuff!

Menstrual blood—long dismissed as waste—is emerging as a powerful, untapped resource for diagnosing reproductive and gynaecological diseases, thanks to a new wave of femtech startups and research groups.

Companies like NextGen Jane and Qvin, along with academic teams such as the ROSE project, are developing non-invasive, at-home tests using used tampons or menstrual cups to detect conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, chronic inflammation, hormonal issues, and even cancers. Early research shows menstrual blood contains unique cells and molecular signals not found in standard blood draws, offering a promising alternative to invasive diagnostics such as laparoscopic surgery—the current requirement for confirming endometriosis.

Despite huge potential, progress is slowed by stigma, limited funding, and practical barriers in collection methods. Beyond diagnostics, menstrual blood may also hold value for stem-cell research and personalized treatment, though applications remain far from clinical use. Still, with multiple groups pursuing breakthroughs and growing institutional interest, menstrual blood testing represents a long-overlooked but rapidly evolving frontier in women’s health.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2025/oct/27/menstrual-period-blood-testing-womens-health

16/11/2025

Blessings to you all🙏✨️

May your journey through life be re-chalibrating and re-connecting with meaningful relationships to others and self, especially right now.

02/11/2025

While being down in Tauranga/ Katikati this week to re-connect with my clients I just picked up more of Julia's Edible Weeds books.

The timing couldn't be any better.
On Sat.8th November would have been Julia's birthday 😘🧡 we miss her very much.
It has been two years since her passing.

We'll offer her book for $35 if you pick it up.

Many thanks
Autumn

02/11/2025

Hello everyone,

I am back visiting the Bay of Plenty 🙋😃👋🧘‍♀️🌞

This coming Wednesday 5th November I am back in Katikati and can see two more clients for a Shiatsu Massage and/or naturopathic consultation.

Let me know if that sounds like you.

Thanks,
Autumn

Send a message to learn more

21/10/2025

Natural Pain Relief Spotlight:
PEA ( Palmitoylethanolamide )

PEA is a naturally occurring compound our body makes to calm inflammation and irritated nerves. It supports the endocannabinoid system, stabilises mast cells, and turns down microglial “pain alarms” in the nervous system.

It’s especially helpful for:
• Post-surgery pain
• Nerve-related pain or burning ( for e.g migraine and sciatica)
• Chronic pelvic / abdominal pain (for e.g endometriosis & IBD)
• Inflammation after tissue trauma
• Recovery from ongoing medical procedures

PEA is gentle, non-addictive and works alongside other treatments to support long-term healing — not just mask symptoms.

Safety & interactions
- Very low risk profile
- Can be combined with SSRIs, pregabalin, gabapentin, NSAIDs, or tricyclics
- No known liver burden
- Helpful adjunct when weaning off other pain meds

Onset of action: 2–6 weeks (not instant, but cumulative)

I’m using PEA currently for a client recovering from kidney stone procedures and multiple operations this year, to help calm persistent pain and inflammation while the body heals.

A beautiful example of nature supporting recovery from the inside out.

18/10/2025

Herbs and plants hold their power🌿🌺

Superguide to Adaptogens for Stress Management

14/10/2025

Make Your Dreams Happen – October Reflections

October feels like a powerful turning point — a birthday month, a time for gratitude, and a reminder that dreams don’t just appear overnight… they grow quietly, step by step, nourished by faith, patience, and community.

This month I’m reflecting on how far things have come — new job opportunities, loyal clients who’ve walked with me for years, curious new ones who are just beginning their journey, and those who need that little extra care right now. 💚

It’s a reminder that being in service — through healing, touch, herbs, and presence — is both a calling and a privilege. I’m learning that making dreams happen also means enjoying what we already have today.

I’m excited to offer the community some mini workshops soon — small circles for connection, learning, and sharing. It feels good to nurture relationships, to balance giving and receiving, to honour self-value and self-care alongside the work.

Financial stability, loving what I do, and feeling part of something bigger — these are all dreams that are slowly unfolding, and I’m so grateful for it all.

✨ What dreams are you growing this month? What small steps are helping you get closer to them?

30/09/2025

🌷Springtime in Northland 🌱

The warmth is returning, the rain is nourishing the earth, and everything feels alive.

In my clinic conversations, I often notice headaches and migraines showing up for clients right now—some are without a gallbladder. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, this points to a Liver/Gallbladder imbalance.

Herbal medicine and Shiatsu are beautiful ways to help move that stagnant energy. But it’s not only about the body—it’s also about how we handle our emotions of frustration and anger.
Do you express those feelings when they arise? Or do you hold them in?
I’m working on this myself—learning to see the creative force behind frustration, and to own my steps more fully.

Instead of directing frustration at others, what if we let it move through us—shouting it out into space, giving it release, and freeing our system?

Spring is a season of growth, movement, and renewal.
Let’s give ourselves permission to move with it.

23/09/2025

A few of my clients got diagnosed with pre-diabetes.....!
Did you know your gut health could be linked to pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes means your blood sugar is often higher than normal, but not yet in the diabetes range. It’s a sign your body is starting to struggle with insulin.

Your gut microbiome (the community of bacteria in your digestive system) plays a big role in:
How you process sugars and fats
How much energy you take from food
How inflamed your body gets

When the microbiome is out of balance, it can:
Increase inflammation
Make the gut lining “leakier”
Lower production of protective short-chain fatty acids
Shift metabolism toward fat storage & poor sugar handling

This all adds strain on blood sugar control, fueling the fire of pre-diabetes.

The good news?
A healthy, balanced microbiome can help protect against pre-diabetes by supporting blood sugar balance and reducing inflammation.

🌱 Small daily choices in food and lifestyle can shift your gut health in a positive direction!

01/09/2025

🌱✨ Happy Beginnings of Spring! ✨🌱

Spring is here — a time of fresh energy, renewal, and new life. After the stillness of winter, our bodies and minds naturally lean towards movement, lightness, and growth.

Here are some gentle ways to align yourself with the season:
👣 Support your tendons and ligaments with stretching, Shiatsu, yoga, or a light run
🥗 Nourish your blood with fresh green leafy vegetables — try new dandelion leaves or a cup of nettle tea daily
🌸 Bring the freshness of Spring indoors with flowers to uplift your space
🌀 Reawaken your energy through small daily actions — plan your day, week, and year with intention

This is the season to reawaken, refresh, and take steady steps forward. 🌿✨

Picture🥰🐑
Our 2 weeks old lamb Millie is travelling with us, she is a happy new member of the family and having her bottle is always a happy moment.

26/08/2025

Long-term PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) use can block the very stomach acid you need for nutrient absorption.

Did you know they are only to be taken short term?

Instead of shutting digestion down, focus on balance:

🍏 Apple cider vinegar supports digestive fire

🌿 Herbal bitters stimulate healthy acid and bile flow

💚 Gentle, natural ways soothe irritation without silencing your stomach

Gentian root is one of my favourite europaen bitters which I also have chosen for our famous Herbal Potential-Puku Tea.