Whether you've seen Laura around our Rose Bay and Newport studios, or had the joy of experiencing her treatments - you'll understand when we say she is the epitome of CALMM. A true grounding presence, and a magic touch when it comes to nourishing the physical form.

We sat down with Laura to chat her career background, what makes her love what she does as well as Somatic Therapy - a new offering to her ever growing range of skills. With 8 years of massage an body work under her belt, Laura is fully devoted to holistic health and incorporates old techniques with a modern approach. Her belief that no one bodily system works alone, and that the mind and the energetics are constantly informing the body and vice versa, Laura creates a safe space to work with the body to guide her clients to create powerful change on many levels.

Tell us about your career background…

I have been practising bodywork for almost 8 years. Being hands on with people and their pain has given me a very deep understanding and love for root causes and our role to play in our own health. 

I began in Byron Bay, learning a lot from osteopaths and many other alternative therapies. The mind body connection is what drew me in but I think I’ve always understood people through their body language, energy and posture from such a young age. I have followed a very holistic path, continuing my studies by fulfilling one rabbit hole to the next. 

I used to worry about ‘how I would become the practitioner I always wanted to be’, and I feel very close now. Studying and experiencing yoga, psychology, trauma-informed somatic therapy, my own thyroid autoimmune disease and plant medicine has taken me further than I could of ever imagined, but I’m still not finished and am excited for what’s to come. 

What makes you love what you do?

How I feel when I connect with people and how people feel when they connect with me. 

You've recently added a new offering for your clients, Somatic Therapy, can you tell us about this and what clients can expect in a session?

Somatic therapy is an integrative approach to talk therapy that aims to unstick our body and mind by tuning into sensation instead of getting caught up in thoughts. In a typical session, I will guide people through somatic exercises including breathwork, movement, self- release and self inquiry, which encourages nervous system regulation through self- connection. Ultimately, this helps us feel free. It’s in this feeling state that we think clearly, make sound decisions and allow root causes to physical and mental health issues to arise. 

The most rewarding part of your job is…

Helping people come home to themselves. Helping people feel mentally elated through physical touch. Helping people feel at peace or pain free especially when these aren’t familiar feeling states. Holding space for people that experience trauma release and allowing that to safely move through them (and feeling confident in that process). Mostly I love meeting and learning from such diverse people. Sometimes I have such incredible conversations during treatments I think I should be paying them. 

What is the best advice you have been given?

Life’s not all about feeling comfortable, it’s about feeling alive. I like to practice what I preach so my whole thing is about feeling everything, and helping people do that too. 

Of all the treatments at The CALMM, which is your favourite?

I love the abdominal scar release. Working on the abdomen is my favourite. It’s the body’s energetic centre and is the most revealing. I’m fascinated by the psoas, the diaphragm, the abdominal aorta (pulse) and the womb. I can access all of these from the abdomen and believe working this area of the body helps us open up the most.

Somatic therapy is an integrative approach to talk therapy, taking into account the whole human being (not just the mind). Somatic therapy considers the person's thoughts, feelings, sensations, attitude and belief systems, as they all impact the physical well-being of that person.

Limiting beliefs, narratives and stuck emotions can shift simply by allowing feelings to flow through the body again, as this is their natural default, to be moving. When they get stuck, we feel stuck,  mentally and physically.

The goal of somatic therapy: investigate posture, gesture, muscular patterns, emotional patterns and physiological arousals that are used for one to express themselves, which helps to facilitate a self regulation process. The outcome of mind-body balance, harmony and homeostasis.

A typical session will include body scanning, breath work, positive self talk, trigger point therapy and subtle movement within a dynamic conversation.

Laura practices out of our Rose Bay and Newport studios, offering remedial massage, reiki and somatic therapy. 

Lymphatic drainage has recently become all the rage, everyone is talking about it or wondering what it's about, but to us it isn’t a fad - our Lymph DETOX treatment has been designed by our founder, Jessie, as a fundamental part of your wellness routine, supporting your body’s detox pathways. 

The lymphatic system is your body’s internal cleansing system that moves fluid throughout the body to clear toxins, bacteria, viruses as well as absorb fats. This intricate network of lymph nodes not only supports circulatory and immune functions but also plays a crucial role in digestive health.

Your gut and lymphatic system work together closely, and nurturing this relationship is vital for your overall well-being. The gut is home to trillions of beneficial bacteria that form the gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption. The lymphatic system enhances gut health by aiding in toxin removal, reducing inflammation, and promoting better digestion and nutrient absorption.

Nutrient absorption: The lymphatic system is involved in the absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients from the digestive system. The lymphatic vessels surrounding your intestines play a crucial role in absorbing dietary fats and fat soluble vitamins. They transport these nutrients to your bloodstream, supporting optimal gut health and nutrient absorption.

Inflammation and Immunity: The gut houses a large portion of the body’s immune cells and contains gut associated lymphoid tissue, which defends against harmful microorganisms that promote immune responses and prevent infections. The lymphatic system responds to changes in the gut microbial communities, helping to modulate immune activity.

Nourishing your lymph / gut connection: Improving lymphatic flow enhances nutrient absorption and helps balance the gut microbiome. Lymphatic drainage massage positively impacts the gut microbiome by supporting immune function and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to a balance of gut bacteria.

Lymphatic drainage massage can be incredibly beneficial for gut health by:

• Helps to remove toxins, waste, and excess fluid from the body which helps to reduce inflammation in the intestines.

• Can improve circulation and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and hormones so that your body is able to better absorb nutrients. This can help to keep a healthy balance of gut flora too.

• Reduces stress, which can help with digestion, improve gut motility, and thus reducing bloating and improving bowel movements, and reducing the risk of anal fissures, ulcers, and abscesses.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage is also great for those with digestive issues as it can help to reduce symptoms like bloating, constipation, sluggish digestion or just all round stagnancy in the belly.

How to Support Yourself Between Lymphatic Sessions:

The benefits of our Lymph DETOX massage are next level. We suggest some of the below simple yet effective practices to implement before and after treatments to help your lymph flow between sessions!

• Hydrate! - Drink plenty of filtered water before and after your treatment to stay hydrated, replenish your body post massage and to flush any remaining toxins out of your system. We also love herbal teas to support!

• Movement -  Some low intensity movement like gentle body rolling, walking or stretching before or after your treatment will support the removal of toxins from the body.

• Body Cupping: Regular body cupping is a powerful DIY way to increase blood circulation and gently stimulate your lymphatic system at home to promote lymphatic drainage between sessions.

• Keep it clean: Reducing your salt, sugar and alcohol consumption post treatment (and ideally pre) will ensure that the body has adequate time to rest and fully remove any remaining waste stored in your system.

• Rest and reset: A night of deep sleep will allow the body to deeply repair post treatment (we love a dose of magnesium pre bed for extra deep rest!)

• Hot / Cold therapy: Adding in some hot / cold exposure, we love and infrared sauna and rotating with a cold shower - this will amplify your treatment and further boost the natural lymp flow.

• Legs up: Elevating your legs up the wall each day helps to improve circulation by redirecting blood flow back towards the heart. It also helps reduce fluid build up and swelling in the legs.

Head to our online store to find other tools we love and use in our daily routines to support our lymph / gut connection!

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Spring is the time in nature for new beginnings; a fresh start where the force of energy, or Qi is at it’s most powerful state of regeneration.

We see new life all around us; trees blossoming, birds chirping, and the energy and excitement of a new chapter of life ripe in the air. 

Just like the cycles that mother nature moves within during the change of seasons, our bodies follow a similar process of cyclic renewal, growth and healing. 

With this knowledge in mind, there is no better time than spring to cleanse your body and mind. Through mirroring nature’s cycles, we can more deeply renew ourselves, recalibrate our Qi to balance our body’s organ function, and effectively heal ourselves from the inside out, setting the tone for the months ahead.

We sat down with The Beauty Chef’s founder Carla Oates to learn how we can cleanse and nourish our bodies, self-heal and balance our energy or Qi. 

What we learned through speaking with Carla is that beauty really does start from the inside out, and by implementing some simple daily health rituals into our routines, we can all benefit from the addition of adding a little care, and calm to our lives. Ahead, some words of wisdom from our friend and ultimate health guru, Carla Oates.

The CALMM: Our liver is responsible for purifying our blood, ridding us of toxicity and ensuring we remain disease-free; it is our master detoxifier. During the spring, our liver is ‘active’ and therefore it’s important we support its function where possible. How do you integrate the practice of cleansing into your life?

CARLA: "Detoxification is a natural and ongoing process performed by your elimination organs: your liver, colon, kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin. And all day, everyday, your body is working hard to eliminate toxins from both internal and external sources.

For example, your liver is constantly filtering harmful or unwanted substances and converting them into less harmful forms ready for excretion. Some of these substances are made by your body – but no longer needed – such as cholesterol or excess oestrogen and other hormones.

Some experts will say that these automatic detoxification processes are all we need. And, if you are feeling energetic, your skin is radiant and your digestion is working well then perhaps they are enough. But, if you feel sluggish or fatigued, have trouble concentrating or sleeping, catch colds easily, suffer from allergies, have pimples or skin rashes, bloating or constipation or just feel like things are not humming along as well as they could be, then perhaps your elimination organs could do with a little extra support.

For many, the cosmetic signs of an overloaded liver are often the first to manifest and can include skin rashes or breakouts, eczema, rosacea and cellulite.

Detoxing is by no means a silver bullet that will fix all ailments and if a health or skin condition is troubling you then you should definitely consult with your healthcare practitioner. But gently cleaning up your diet is often a good place to begin improving your health. You could compare it to cleaning your house. You need to pick everything up off the floor before you can begin to vacuum – and you need to remove clutter before you can dust the shelves.

Likewise, avoiding processed or fried foods, added salt, refined sugars, trans fats, food additives, pesticides, synthetic skincare products, caffeine, cigarettes and alcohol are all good ways to begin cleaning your internal ‘house’. By avoiding these additional toxins, it can make it easier for your hardworking elimination organs–especially your liver–to work more efficiently and detox a little more deeply.

Nourishing yourself with vitamins and minerals from wholefood sources is another way to support your detoxification pathways. B vitamins (found in whole grains, lean meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds) are essential, as are amino acids (from protein-containing wholefoods) and sulphur (from onions, garlic, eggs and Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and brussel sprouts)."

The CALMM: As a mother and owner of a successful business you must be very busy, what are some of the rituals or habits you implement into your life to help promote a sense of calm from within to reset from daily stressors?

CARLA: "Being the CEO of a growing company, it can be easy to fall into the trap of working long hours and not taking breaks. To negate some of the screen time, I take my dog Wolfie to the park once I’ve finished for the day.

Cooking is one of my favourite things to do so after work I get in the kitchen. I love combining the joy of cooking with the science of nutrition, so when it comes to my recipes, both gut health and flavour are always top of mind. Depending on what’s in season, dinner could be anything from a salad with veggies and protein, or a piece of grilled or steamed fish with baked sweet potato and sauerkraut, a slow roast, a warming curry or a slow-cooked soup or stew with lots of veggies, herbs, spices and bone broth.

Then, after dinner, I do my best to wind down and switch off from the day by putting down my phone and enjoying time with my family."

The CALMM: What advice, products or practices would you give or recommend for someone wanting to do a cleanse to support their liver and gall bladder health?

CARLA: "You can support your body’s natural detoxification channels by making a few simple lifestyle swaps in order to reduce your toxic load.

Double down on your diet by minimising alcohol and caffeine, while also avoiding common allergens and gut irritants like wheat and dairy. Steer clear of inflammatory foods like refined vegetable oils and sugar and opt for produce that’s organic or pesticide-free. And of course, apply the same principles to any cleaning or beauty products you buy to ensure you’re not undoing all of your hard work.

You can also give your body a helping hand with a daily dose of The Beauty Chef’s CLEANSE Inner Beauty Support, which has been consciously created to support your body’s natural detoxification process and promote a healthy, happy gut. With fibre from green banana starch and Jerusalem artichoke, choline to aid liver function and fat metabolism, as well as enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics for a healthy belly, our bio-fermented super-greens powder is a powerful and potent way to eliminate, purify and realign. Adding dry body brushing to kickstart the lymphatic system to your routine is a good idea, too."

The CALMM: How does your environment impact your mood and sense of self? And what do you like to surround yourself with to feel present, calm and grounded?

CARLA: "My environment has a huge impact on my mood and sense of self. I think a home should be comfortable and nurturing so for me, our home is filled with well-designed and purposeful pieces as well as lots of texture and greenery. I wouldn’t necessarily describe our home as minimal, but everything has its purpose and I am drawn to natural fabrics, lots of natural light and a neutral colour palette, so everything feels inviting, grounding and calm.

Being immersed in nature is also very important. It helps my mood and makes me feel calm and happy. Also being around people I love like family and friends, as well as things that inspire me, like books, art, and beauty."

The CALMM: How do you like to calm down? Is it tied to a place, person or process?

CARLA: "I try to walk most mornings. I love walking along Bondi Beach at sunrise, which is quite close to my house, or through Centennial Park, which is a more meditative route. I describe walking as a natural filing system for my brain—it provides mental clarity, gives me energy and helps to set me up for the day. I would also count a daily meditation practice, as well as talking to my husband and a few special friends who are great sounding boards."

The human body is constantly exposed to toxins in food, water, products, drugs and our environment. Coupled with the unhealthy food choices and stress from modern-day life, our bodies can quickly become overwhelmed. After all, the human body can only handle so much.

Your liver and kidneys are the innate detoxification system tasked with getting rid of these toxins from the body. However, it’s not uncommon for these organs to submit to the intense workload and fail.

No matter how healthy our diets is, these toxins we encounter daily can disrupt the energy flow in our bodies and drastically reduce the quality of our lives. Over time, this constant inflow of toxins into the body can cause us to break down mentally, physically and can even result in disease. To protect itself and its energy, our bodies needs to be detoxified. 

We are slowly discovering and understanding the benefits of detoxifying. By eliminating harmful toxins, we can improve your physical and mental health and prevent disease. Our bodies have are continually communicating with us – we only have to listen. 

The good news is - Detoxification isn’t just drinking a weird and wonderful concoction and depriving ourselves of our favourite meals. We can eliminate harmful toxins through lymphatic activation, acupressure, movement, foods and supplements. Which brings us to our at-home 5 step routine to a healthier you. 

1. Cleanse powder daily supplement by The Beauty Chef. 

2. Self Lymph activation - Join our founder Jessie on 5th December at 9:00am via the @RUSSHMagazine instagram live to learn our sequence. 

3. Weekly Magnesium bath or foot soak.

4. Breathwork - take a deep inhale in through your nose, hold your breath and pump your stomach 10 times before exhaling. Repeat 3 times. Practice morning and night. 

5. 2-3L of filtered and nutrient rich water daily. 

To further support detoxification, we have been working on a special little something something to integrate in to your day or week.

Our bespoke Lymph DETOX essential oil blend will be coming soon and will be available in studio and via the online store. 

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To welcome you gently to the season, we take you through the key points of winter’s energy and meaning in traditional Chinese medicine. 

In winter, nature becomes dormant. For some, the quieter energy of the season can contribute to loneliness, fear and seasonal affective disorder. Others may feel relief for an opportunity to pause and rest. 

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