Carolyn Richards ND - Subtle Body Balance

Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, Wellness Programs, Sports Therapies, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, Chronic Pain Management, Stress Management, Weight Loss Programs, Remedial Massage, Hawaiian Bodywork, Pregnancy Massage, Bach Flower Essences


Subtle Body Balance
incorporating Living Well Natural Health

Clinics
Vivid Health 1/ 2 Burdett St Hornsby 2077 - Thursday, Friday & alt Saturday
Gnostic Wellness Centre 2/31 Chambers Pl Woy Woy 2256 - Monday, alt Saturday & Sunday
49 Donnison St West Gosford 2250 - Tuesday & Wednesday by appointment
Health fund rebates apply at all clinics


Naturopathic consultations

I like to work with the client to satisfy both their immediate health needs and long term wellness goals. I believe that treatment is a partnership between practitioner and client and that this is most successful if the client and practitioner work together to formulate a realistic treatment plan. To this end I initially take a history and establish the clients priorities. We then plan a treatment program that fits with the clients life circumstances and budget. Treatment generally involves a combination of nutrition & lifestyle counselling, herbal medicine, dietary supplements, essential oils and Bach flower essences but can also incorporate bodywork and Frequency Specific Microcurrent if appropriate.

Sports Therapies, Massage and Chronic Pain Management

I have over a decade of experience and love to do bodywork. I employ many techniques, from the deeply relaxing Hawaiian or Kahuna style to the energetically penetrative Zen Shiatsu, to Energetic Release techniques for chronic pain and difficult muscular problems, myofascial techniques to release held patterns of body tension and soft tissue rehab for sports injuries. I believe that massage should be a relaxing and pain free experience.

For many years I have specialised in treating Fibromyalgia, Arthritis and Chronic Pain and in doing so have learnt that sensitivity and the focus of energy can often be more effective than deep tissue massage in releasing tension in the body and in most cases provides a more relaxing and rewarding experience.

Massage combined with appropriate use of herbal medicine can help resolve issues that cause pain in the body and can provide long term relief from pain that does more than simply mask the symptoms - my aim is always to help my clients to regain the freedom of movement and vitality to live the life that they would choose to live.

I use Frequency Specific Microcurrent - often in combination with massage - when treating conditions where inflammation is the primary source of pain, eg fibromyalgia and arthritis. This application of low frequency microcurrent (60-300 milliamps) has a proven track record in removing inflammation, providing relief from pain and shortening healing time in both acute and chronic injuries. (for more information about this modality visit www.frequencyspecific.com)

Pregnancy Massage

I recently worked at the Pregnancy Wellbeing Centre where pregnancy and post-natal massage became my most practiced therapy. I have moved to an exciting new clinic but still continue to do this work. I believe that pregnancy massage is all about treating the mum-to-be. I use a Belly Pillow that accommodates babies up to full term in a cosy sling while mum is relaxing in that almost forgotten face down position for approximately half of the treatment. I invite expectant mothers, and all the mums who are nursing young babies, to enjoy a full body massage with a strong focus on lower back, legs and arms/shoulders/neck - all of those points that talk to you most while you carry your baby, both before and after the birth.

Hawaiian Massage/ Kahuna Bodywork

This beautiful form of bodywork is my favourite. It provides a holistic approach to healing by balancing the body-mind in its physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Kahuna bodywork is performed in 'dance like' moves, using both the forearms and hands in long flowing strokes along the body. The rhythmic strokes lull the body into a deep sense of relaxation, yet, using the forearm , quite deep therapeutic pressure can be applied as required. Used in combination with the breath, the body, mind and spirit are encouraged to heal, leaving both the giver and the receiver feeling relaxed yet alive and energized.

Testimonials

I thoroughly enjoyed my massage I raved about you to my Osteo he has asked me if you work on men?
I was very tender across my lower back/upper butt the following day, so I could tell that you really got in there even though it never felt like that on the table. I felt amazing and I have slept like a log for 2 nights now.
I am the type of person who after every single massage I have ever had before goes home disappointed and cranky. I love a deep massage and usual that means that the massage I receive is either too soft and does nothing for me, or I get bruised and my bones ache from the pressure.
Your technique is one of the few that both relaxed me but at the same time also left me feeling like every single problem area or stress point was worked on. I left feeling like every muscle in my body had been touched and released without the agony or aches that generally follow a remedial massage. I love that you explain what you are working on as you are massaging, it really instils confidence that you know what you are doing and also so I knew what was coming next. I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone and I wish I had of known about you when I was pregnant your advice and your touch would have been such a blessing.
Rebecca


The sessions I had with Carol has been great - she is a wonderful therapist with a good understanding of 'what she is doing'. As a 7 month pregnant woman I have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and will continue these sessions until birth. As I still work full time, I get really tired and get a lot of pain around my lower back and neck. After these sessions, I feel so light and relax that I dont feel the weight of bub!
Thank you Carol!
Kind Regards,
Zuhra


Other than being a sore and stiff in a few places, which I expected, I can feel a tremendous difference and can feel my muscular frame has changed for the better and am looking forward to our next session.
Many thanks,
Stella.


The Pregnancy Massage was just what I needed, also will be back when I have had the baby!
Very relaxing and helped release some very tight muscles. Also reccomeneded an older friend of mine and will continue to do so to others.
Tiani
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