MANAGING BRAIN FOG

Coping with BRAIN FOG

Researchers from many leading medical facilities and institutes around the world, including the New Zealand Ministry of Health and Harvard University, have identifi ed brain fog as one of the many Long Covid problems.

Brain fog could be as simple as the fact that you can’t think of a specifi c word you want to use, or you might be uncharacteristically forgetful. Christchurch concussion and migraine specialist Gill Redden is increasingly seeing clients who have developed what is being labelled brain fog. Gill o ers a range of services using CranioSacral therapy. Treatment areas include targeting the brain, as well as vertigo. “Using CranioSacral therapy as part of your natural, drug-free Long Covid recovery plan is one piece in the jigsaw puzzle to potentially returning to your preCovid health status,” she says. Using a manual soft touch, Gill helps release restrictions in cranial or other bones so that they can move more freely. She also treats organs, as well as the soft tissues that surround the brain and which go down the spine to the sacrum. “During Covid, a high fever is often present thus causing the cytokines (which are infl ammatory markers), to stay elevated. This indicates the immune system is operating in overdrive as it fi ghts the virus, stressing many parts of the body,” she explains. While there’s no one-size-fi ts-all treatment that can cure these cognitive di culties, Gill is providing clients with a unique opportunity to receive a 2.5 hour treatment package for their brain, valued at $340, for a limited time. The treatment package is recommended to be completed within 30 days of commencement. For more information about Gill Redden CranioSacral therapy and her clinic’s work check out her website.

www.gillreddencranio.co.nz

THE SEVEN MOST COMMON BRAIN FOG SYMPTOMS

SUFFERERS MAY HAVE ONE OR SEVERAL:

Poor concentration

Feeling confused

Thinking more slowly than usual

Fuzzy thoughts

Forgetfulness

Lost words

Mental fatigue

Embrace winter wellbeing

Bringing Christchurch people together through yoga/theraputics is the aim of the Flow Wellbeing Centre on Fitzgerald Avenue, which is holding a free winter wellbeing open day on 19 June.

The biggest wellbeing centre in New Zealand, it o ers an holistic space where anyone can potentiate their healing or shift a bad mood into a good one through attending a class, intensive or experiencing one of the many therapies o ered there. Leading yoga teacher Donna Farhi, aka the “teacher of teachers”, has taught yoga intensives and retreats in many countries all around the world. The Christchurch wellbeing centre sets a new standard for what a yoga and wellbeing centre can be, she says. “Now more than ever we are coming to appreciate the mental and emotional benefi ts of being able to get out of the house and go somewhere that o ers us a new perspective. “Entering any of the studios feels like moving into a sacred space: an ancient cave, a forest glen, or the ocean’s edge. “The inspired interior by Sharon Cross brings these primal experiences into each room where the place can help to activate and support a movement back to centre,” she says. “We all need a place where we can go to rejuvenate ourselves. An aesthetically beautiful environment or thoughtfully designed room can uplift our spirits, calm our mind and refresh our energies. Come and see for yourself.”

Flow Theraputics

Flow Therapeutics is home to clinicians, therapists and wellness experts who provide education workshops, teacher trainings, 1:1 client sessions and unique term-based movement classes to support wellness. www.fl owtheraputics.co.nz

Flow Yoga

Flow Yoga o ers hot & temperate heated yoga classes for all levels of students. Their goal is to help you to realise your full potential, whether trying yoga for the fi rst time or have been practising for years. www.fl owyoga.co.nz

FREE OPEN DAY

Flow Wellbeing is holding a winter wellbeing ‘Open Day’ on Sunday 19 June from 8am to 6pm. Free classes and services will be o ered on the day in the fi re, earth, water and air studios. Bookings via the Flow Hot Yoga app.

cuisine

THE WINTER FAVOURITES

Tucking up inside with a hot bowl of tasty soup, gorgeous gooey pasta or mouth-watering pizza is one of the good things in life during cold, wet days. Even better is that many of these winter favourites don’t take long to make, especially with a bit of forethought, and creative pantry shelf stocking. Here are some suggestions from Metropol.

1. PIZZA

Keep some pizza bases in the freezer so you can whip one up whenever you want. Add all your favourite toppings, and if you have guests they can create their own. Olives, anchovies, salamis and such are popular toppings to have in stock. Make sure you’ve plenty of cheese to top it o . Grated cheese keeps well in the freezer too.

2. PASTA

This can be as simple or as complicated as you choose to make it. Fresh pasta is great, but it doesn’t hurt to keep a packet of dried spaghetti, fettucine or macaroni in the pantry. The hard part will be deciding how to dress it. A creamy sauce or a tomato one? Seafood, mushrooms, or a simple pesto? They all taste great.

3. SOUPS

Pumpkin soup is a quick and easy choice, especially paired with garlic or herb bread. Now is also the time for thick country-style chowders such as sweet corn, or seafood. Onions, garlic and vegetable stock are pantry staples for soup making, and it doesn’t hurt to have sour cream, cream cheese or full cream on hand either.

Location, ambience

& ne cuisine

Canterbury’s hospitality industry is buzzing again and we’re spoilt for choice with so many amazing food and beverage options.

Lake House Restaurant Smoke Rolleston

If you’re thinking romantic, picturesque lake views and sunsets, check out Lake House Restaurant and Bar on the edge of beautiful and serene Lake Hood in Mid-Canterbury. With its stunning covered and heated deck dining space, and seating for up to 110 people, it’s a great all weather venue for all size groups and occasions. The food and beverage menus at Lake House complement its fantastic location. The cuisine choices are many and varied. For special occasion dining, including weddings, birthdays, cocktail functions, and anniversaries, the versatile chefs can develop tailored set menus to suit. If barbecued ribs, tangy coleslaw and smoked brisket are more suited to the occasion, check out Smoke Rolleston, a restaurant specialising in slow smoked American style barbecue and burgers. Choose from 12 hour smoked low and slow platters, American-style burgers and starters, fried chicken, Armadilo eggs, mac ’n cheese and plenty more.

www.lakehouselakehood.co.nz

www.smokeinc.nz

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Degustation at Amazonita

4. 5. 6.

Local favourite Amazonita hosted a delicious degustation in collaboration with Bombay Sapphire. With special guest and master distiller Dr Anne Brock, it was an unforgettable night of wonderful food and gin cocktails.