Sama Health

Grounded in ancient wisdom, supported by evidence based science. www.samahealth.net.au. sama_health_

23/06/2025

Ubiquitous superfoods just growing between some cobble stones on a path in Sri Lanka.

Gotukola (Centella asiatica)

07/03/2025

Women often juggle multiple roles, from caregiving to career responsibilities, making the need for self-care an essential practice rather than a luxury. The principles of Mettā & Karuṇā (loving kindness and compassion) start with yourself and only then are you better able to give. By prioritising your well-being, women can create a healthier, more balanced, and joyful life; and positively impacting those around them.

Read more in the link below
https://www.samahealth.net.au/blog/selfcare-for-women

30/10/2023

Photo from 18yrs ago of me apprenticing at my family’s Ayurveda factory in Gampaha, Sri Lanka. I’m helping make an ayurveda herbal oil called Maha Narayana in a big copper cauldron. This oil is amazing. One of the main oils I use for my clients (depending on their dosha). I have great clinical outcomes in treating conditions such as:
* Chronic Fatigue
* Long Covid
* Fibromyalgia
* stress
* muscle and joint pain
* perimenopause and menopause related symptoms.

I love this photo as it takes me back all those years ago to the sights smells and experiences. AND it highlights the fabulous Witch that I always knew I am 😂

Ayurveda treatments available at NIIM.

29/10/2023

Photo from 18yrs ago of me apprenticing at my family’s Ayurveda factory in Gampaha, Sri Lanka; helping make an ayurveda herbal oil called Maha Narayana in a big copper cauldron.

I love this photo as it takes me back all those years ago to the sights smells and experiences. AND it highlights the fabulous witch that I always knew I am 😂🧙🏽

19/07/2023

FACTORS AFFECTING YOUR SLEEP
By Rochelle Wickramaratchi, Naturopath & Ayurveda Practitioner (Bsc, BHSc)

Sleep issues such difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep and waking unrefreshed are increasingly prevelant. A good night sleep is crucial for mental and physical wellbeing. Sleep disorders have a pround effect on our neurological, cardiometabolic, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems and vice versa.

Chronic Stress – It comes as no surprise that stress is a key disruptor of sleep. When we are in a heightened state of stress, our bodies switch to “fright or flight” mode of the sympathetic nervous system. Prolonged stress causes disruption to the Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis. This chronic Stress leads to increased adrenaline, cortisol, blood glucose and blood pressure which keeps us in a state of heighten alertness and disrupted sleep.

Gastrointestinal Disturbance – reflux, bloating, indigestion all have a direct impact on quality sleep. In addition, gastrointestinal disorders can impact further via the gut brain axis causing GIT inflammation and the reduced absorption of tryptophan which is precursor of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Hormonal Imbalances – There are many hormones that impact sleep. The disruption to HPA axis cause increased levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cortisol resulting in wakefulness. Hormonal shifts in Oestrogen and Progesterone during the menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopause impacts sleep. So too do thyroid hormones and insulin.

Cardiometabolic Disorders – People with Diabetes, Cardiovascular disorders, and Obesity have poor sleep outcomes due to systemic inflammation, hypertension and hormonal disturbances (cortisol, insulin resistance, gherkin, leptin).

It is important to keep in mind, that the above conditions not only cause the lack of good quality sleep, but the lack of sleep exacerbates these conditions further. It is a vicious cycle that needs to be carefully brought to balance. The key to doing so is to not just treat poor sleep symptomatically, but to regard it as a sign that warrants further investigation as to the root causes behind the sleep issues. These foundational areas need to be assessed and carefully balanced for better sleep and long-term health and wellbeing.

For sleep support consultations in person at The National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM)
https://niim.com.au/clinic/practitioners/rochelle-wickramaratchi

Telehealth consultations
Samahealth.net.au

06/07/2023

- Heart Health – Research has shown Cardio protective benefits from the high polyphenol content helping to reduce atherosclesoris, oxidative stress, inflammation and hypertention (Aviram and yRosenblat 2013; Razani, Dastani, and Kazerani 2017; Zhao et al. 2017)

- Type 2 Diabetes – high blood glucose induces oxidative stress in T2D which also impacts the cardiovascular system. Pomegranate extract along with other antioxidants have shown to reduce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (Kutan Fenercioglu et al. 2010). Pomegranate has also shown to improve insulin sensitivity in T2D (Banihani et al. 2014)

- Oncology – Research suggest that cancer cell growth inhibition and tumor cell apoptosis has been shown with pomegranate supplementation in prostate cancer (Albrecht et al. 2004; Malik et al. 2005), and anti-proliferating effect on breast cancer cells (Kim et al. 2002)

- Brain Health - Research suggests that the neuroprotective effects of ellagitanins in pomegranate seeds can be beneficial for Alzheimer’s and Parkinsons (Kujawska et al. 2019; Yuan et al. 2016).

- Arthritis – studies have shown the Pomegranate extract supplementation inhibits the pro-inflammatory cytokines in Osteoarthritis. An other study points to the reduction of symptom severity and inflammatory IL-6 levels in Rheumatoid arthritis

- Reproductive health – Traditionally Ayurveda and Unani medicine use pomegranante for female reproductive health as it is blood tonifier and tissue perfusion enhancer. Pomegrante juice is used to improve male fertility as well. Research has shown that Pomegranate juice can improve semen quality and count (Türk et al. 2008)

The advise and information given is general in nature. Please consult your practitioner to assess if Pomegranate Juice, Liquid tincture or herbal extract is right for you.

For my complete article with research references please click on the following link.
https://www.samahealth.net.au/blog

07/06/2023

I’m so excited to announce that bookings are now open for Naturopathy and Ayurvedic consultations.

DM me for more info or please check out samahealth.net.au for more info and online consultations.

In person consultations are available at the National Institute of Integrative Medicine (NIIM) www.NIIM.com.au (03) 9804 0646

Looking forward to supporting you in your health journey.

28/01/2023

Sunday morning waffles with my kids 🥰

Juggling uni, work and school runs in the morning, its often hard to find time to sit down and have breakfast together. But not on weekends! Weekend mornings are waffle or pancake breakfasts with my kids. My son helps me make it, my daughter sets the table whilst my 80s Spotify playlist plays in the background. Perfect.

As some of you know, I always modify traditional recipes by substituting ingredients to pack in more nutrients. This one’s no exception. Instead of regular flour I used wholemeal and oat flour to pack in more fibre. biodynamic pot set yoghurt instead of whipped cream. Apart from being protein and calcium rich, this yoghurt is full probiotics such lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacterium & lactobacillus casei. Bonus! Mixed berries full of vitamins and minerals, walnuts which are a wonderful source of omega3, magnesium and B6. Topped off with a drizzle of raw organic honey.

Address

11-23 Burwood Road
Hawthorn, VIC

Website

http://samahealth.net.au/

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