About Melinda
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My journey to become a naturopath and remedial massage therapist began after my own experience with a chronic disease. In 2006 I was diagnosed with Grave’s Disease, an autoimmune condition causing overactive thyroid.
A pharmaceutical drug called Neo-Mercazole was prescribed, an antithyroid medication to reduce thyroid function and decrease thyroid hormone throughout the body. The next 4 years was a roller coaster ride from being very ill to remission several times. Each time the disease became active, my symptoms worsened. By 2010 the symptoms became unmanageable and my endocrinologist noted that the medication was no longer working. Ongoing treatment options at this point were surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. Neither option was appealing but I chose the radioactive iodine therapy. This treatment melted away about half my thyroid. Two and a half months later I ended up under a neurosurgeons knife at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for an urgent discectomy for a herniated disc between L3/4 compressing the L3 nerve. The nerve compression from the herniation decreased my left leg function within weeks. With only my lower calf and foot working leaving me unable to walk normally and in incredible pain. The surgery was a great success and with consistent rehabilitation, physiotherapy, massage and strengthening exercises I now have full function of my left leg and back. In January 2011 the autoimmune disease came back even more pronounced. I was mystified as to how it could return with only a partial thyroid gland. The medication wasn't working and the ablation didn’t stop the thyroid overacting. My father recommended a naturopath as an alternative treatment option. She specialised in endocrinology and thyroid disorders. I am forever grateful to my father for his insightfulness. Within 1½ years I was cleared of all medication and my life was back on track. I hadn’t felt so healthy, energetic and fit in such a long time. The naturopaths holistic approach to my treatment through diet and lifestyle changes, counselling, herbal preparations and supplementation rebalanced my body and got to the core of what was happening beyond the thyroid disorder. My journey to recovery sparked an interest and I wanted to know more about naturopathy and holistic health. I completed a Bachelor Health Science in Naturopathy at Endeavour College of Natural Health, graduating in 2019. After my degree I learned the benefits of combining naturopathy with body, mind and spirit work. To support this I completed a Diploma of Remedial Massage, specialist certification in Oncology Massage Therapy, and Reiki Level 2 Practitioner from Usui Sensi lineage. If my story resonates and you're seeking support with your health, book in for an appointment and let's see how I can help you restore balance in your mind, body and spirit. Love and gratitude, Melinda xo BHSc(ClinNat), DipRM, MATMS, MARC |