Ying & Yang.

Yin and Yang demonstrates that nothing exists in and of itself. A tree, for example, can't exist by itself. It needs air from the sky and water from the earth and light and heat from the sun. Humans are no different. We need nourishment. We need solid foundations. We need space and support to blossom. Connectedness.

The word Yin (in this context) also represents the Yoga aspect of my business and philosophy. Yin yoga is about slowing down, holding postures for longer periods of time, allowing the body and mind to yield and surrender. Yin yoga is a beautiful practice to support balance in our lives and in our bodies. It helps us to recognise holding patterns and stored emotions. It teaches us to sit with discomfort, and to explore our experiences with patience and awareness. I believe that yoga teaches us a lot about ourselves. It goes deep. It creates space. Yin yoga as taught me to truly be still, to really come face to face with myself, and because of this I am now able to bring what Yin has taught me into my more Yang like practices such as Ashtanga yoga, and ultimately my life as a whole. Yin yoga teaches you how to really listen, it teaches you to accept the moment as it is, something we can all benefit from daily.

Tonic.

‘Tonic’ represents my passion for herbal medicine. A Tonic can be defined as a substance that brings about wellbeing. In herbal medicine, a tonic herb is defined as one that “tonifies”, regenerates or invigorates systems in the body or to promote health and restore balance. In Western herbology there is a class of herbs called adaptogens, which refers to herbs that help us to adapt to various stresses, both physical and mental. Tonic herbs are essential to support our resilience and create harmony, especially in our modern-day lives. Tonics help to restore vitality, our “vital force” (a core philosophy of Naturopathy) which is also known as our Qi, or Prana. Herbal tonics also refer to the liquid herbal tinctures which are blended by the practitioner, tailored to the individual and their current needs. There is an art in blending liquid herbals, it’s a truly satisfying and creative process, a bit like baking with love from the heart and intentions for the receiver.

The word ‘Tonic’ is also a homage to my roots as a naturopath, a nod to my mentor and friend who introduced me to the power and brilliance of herbal medicine, who believed in me, gave me a chance, and a truly rewarding job in an inspiring industry.

In balance, Yin and Yang are two halves that together complete wholeness.

Yin and Yang are also the starting point for change. Treating the person as a whole is another core naturopathic philosophy. Each person is individual, and the body systems work in integration, nothing is separate, nothing is dualistic. Natural medicine supports change. Change in our lifestyle choices that have led to dysfunction, change in our mindsets, change in the physiology of our bodies.