At Neurohealth Wellness in Allambie Heights, we believe that the foundation of great health isn’t found in a prescription bottle. It’s in the choices you make every day. There are powerful, natural tools all around us that help prevent disease, reduce pain, and promote resilience—yet most people don’t use them.
Here are 12 of the most underused medical tools, and why it's time to bring them into the spotlight.
1. Fasting
Fasting allows your body to repair, regenerate, and reset. During periods without food, your body enters a process called autophagy, where damaged cells are broken down and recycled. This can lead to better metabolic health, reduced inflammation, and improved longevity.
We often see patients stuck in a cycle of constant eating, which stresses the digestive system and inhibits natural healing. Intermittent fasting (such as a 16:8 window) can be a safe and sustainable way to restore balance. Of course, fasting isn’t for everyone—it should be personalised, especially for those with existing medical conditions.
2. Sunlight
Sunlight is a free and natural source of vitamin D, which plays a role in bone health, immunity, hormone regulation, and mental wellbeing. Lack of sunlight exposure has been linked to depression, fatigue, and low immunity.
At Neurohealth, we recommend morning sunlight to help reset your circadian rhythm, which supports better sleep and hormonal balance. You don't need to bake in the sun— 10-20 minutes on your skin without sunscreen (before 10am or after 3pm in summer) is usually enough.
3. Sleep
Sleep is the most powerful recovery tool, yet many of us neglect it. During sleep, the brain consolidates memory, the body heals tissue, and hormones are regulated. Poor sleep contributes to weight gain, poor concentration, low immunity, and chronic pain.
We always ask our patients about sleep during assessments because if you're not sleeping well, your body can't heal. Creating a sleep routine, using blackout curtains, and avoiding blue light in the evening can all enhance sleep quality.
4. Nature
Spending time in nature reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), improves immune function, and helps reduce anxiety. There's a reason we feel calm after a beach walk or bush hike — our nervous system responds positively to natural environments.
Incorporating nature into your week doesn’t require camping trips. Walk your dog barefoot on the grass, sit under a tree, or visit one of the Northern Beaches’ many bush trails. This is especially beneficial for nervous system regulation, which ties into our chiropractic work.
5. Real Food
Whole, unprocessed food is your best defence against inflammation, chronic disease, and poor energy. Food affects every system in your body. A nutrient-dense meal made from real ingredients can regulate blood sugar, reduce joint pain, and support gut health.
We advise our patients to eat in a way that supports healing. That means avoiding ultra-processed foods and sugars, and focusing on quality protein, healthy fats, and colourful vegetables.
6. Exercise
Movement is medicine. Exercise supports musculoskeletal health, brain function, immune strength, and mental clarity. Even a brisk daily walk can reduce the risk of chronic illness.
At Neurohealth Wellness, we assess your movement patterns and provide exercises to improve posture, stability, and strength. For example, someone with plantar fasciitis may benefit more from strengthening their feet than relying on orthotics.
7. Heat and Cold
Contrast therapy — alternating between heat (like infrared saunas) and cold (like ice baths or cold showers) — can reduce inflammation, enhance circulation, and accelerate recovery. Cold therapy can also activate the vagus nerve, helping regulate stress responses.
We often recommend contrast showers to patients with chronic pain or post-exercise soreness. It’s an easy, at-home technique to boost resilience and tissue healing.
8. Salt
Salt has been wrongly demonised for years, but unrefined salts like Himalayan or Celtic sea salt are rich in essential minerals that support hydration, nerve conduction, and adrenal function.
Used properly, salt helps maintain electrolyte balance, particularly if you're sweating or on a whole-food diet that limits processed foods. Our team can guide you on healthy salt use tailored to your activity levels and nutritional needs.
9. Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in hundreds of bodily processes — from muscle relaxation and energy production to sleep and stress management. Deficiency is incredibly common, often due to soil depletion and modern diets.
For patients with tight muscles, cramps, or poor sleep, magnesium supplementation can be a game changer. We often recommend forms like magnesium glycinate or citrate for optimal absorption.
10. Earthing
Also known as grounding, earthing refers to direct physical contact with the earth’s surface. Studies suggest that this connection can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance mood by balancing the body’s electrical charge.
Walking barefoot on the beach or grass even for a few minutes can be a powerful nervous system reset. This is particularly useful for those dealing with chronic pain or high stress.
11. Meditation
Meditation rewires the brain for calm, focus, and resilience. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you switch out of fight-or-flight mode and into healing mode.
Even five minutes a day of stillness, breath focus, or body awareness can yield benefits. Our team encourages patients to start small, especially those with anxiety, pain syndromes, or sleep troubles.
12. Laughter
Laughter really is medicine. It boosts endorphins, reduces cortisol, strengthens the immune system, and even improves pain tolerance. Social connection and humour are critical to emotional wellbeing.
We love encouraging a bit of light-heartedness in our clinic — health doesn’t always have to be serious. Your nervous system thrives in joy, and laughter is the quickest way to get there.
Final Thoughts from Neurohealth Wellness
These tools aren’t just complementary; they are foundational. At Neurohealth Wellness, we aim to guide our community in the Northern Beaches toward sustainable, natural health practices that work with the body — not against it.
Whether you’re recovering from injury, managing pain, or simply striving for a healthier lifestyle, these 12 tools are free, powerful, and ready for you to use.
Ready to take the next step in your health journey? 👉 Book an appointment today.
References
- Longo, V.D., & Panda, S. (2016). Fasting, Circadian Rhythms, and Time-Restricted Feeding in Healthy Lifespan. Cell Metabolism.
- Holick, M.F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. New England Journal of Medicine.
- Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.
- Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.
- Monteiro, C.A., et al. (2013). Ultra-processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system. Obesity Reviews.
- Warburton, D.E.R., et al. (2006). Health benefits of physical activity. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
- Laukkanen, T., et al. (2018). Sauna bathing and risk of stroke. Neurology.
- He, F.J., et al. (2020). Salt reduction to prevent hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
- Barbagallo, M., & Dominguez, L.J. (2010). Magnesium and aging. Magnesium Research.
- Chevalier, G., et al. (2012). Earthing: Health implications of reconnecting the human body to the Earth. Journal of Environmental and Public Health.
- Tang, Y.Y., et al. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
- Bennett, M.P., & Lengacher, C. (2006). Humor and Laughter May Influence Health. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Neurohealth Wellness
33-35 Kentwell Rd, Allambie Heights, Sydney
(02) 9905 9099
www.neurohealthwellness.com.au
