I first connected with Courtney over Instagram (if you havent checked out her account you have to have a look, its one of the most visually pleasing and informative accounts on matters of holistic health & movement therapies that I have seen!) I love seeing her posts and her beautifully written pieces on holistic health.

So Courtney can you give us some background as to how you got into Holistic Health?

I grew up intimately connected with the elements, on the worlds second largest sand island called Minjerribah, more commonly known as North Stradbroke Island. I was lucky enough to spend my childhood bare foot on sacred aboriginal land, swimming in pristine oceans and in fresh water lakes. The islands rich environment planted seeds within me from an early age for a life full of body-mind-soul connection, adventure, healing and purpose.This connection however became heavily disoriented when I moved away from the island and into the city. My later growth unfolded through acts of self-sabotage, heavy over training, eating disorders and addictions that led me to experience chronic injuries amongst physical/mental/ emotional/spiritual exhaustion. The restoration of my thriving body, mind and spirit has gradually returned through a holistic process of learning how to breathe well, think well, eat well, sleep well, move well and love well.Hardships are great opportunities to grow clarity, great wisdom and they enable us to connect on a deeper level. I believe that life is a rich sensory experience that unquestionably encounters spiritual, mental, emotional, physical growth and development. To hinder even just one aspect is to inhibit lifes full potential. The sustainable marriage of these aspects is vital in achieving a healthy perspective not only for our individual wellbeing but also for the wellbeing of this planet, which we share and experience collectively.One way or the other, life mysteriously unfolds in a way that ensures our reconnection to our truest nature. I feel compelled to contribute to this natural process by providing support and education to the great cause of human habilitation helping enable a more fulfilling experience on earth.

Ive noticed you are studying Osteopathy currently, can you tell us what courses and studies you have done in the past?

I spend many hours most days deepening and broadening my understanding into matters of relevance to my own life journey, physical development, health and wellness and matters relating to clients.I have also completed the following certificates so far on my journey.Advanced Integrative Postural Neuro-Physiology - ProKinetics AustraliaCHEK Holistic Lifestyle CoachCHEK Exercise Coach Level 13-month internship with Jan Carton (CHEK Australia)Cert III & IV Fitness,Advanced Diploma of Sports & Recreation

Who have been your biggest sources of inspiration in the health field?

Paul Chek / The Chek InstituteLinda Hartley / Body-Mind CenteringIdo Portal / The Ido Portal Method - Movement CultureNaudi Aguilar / Functional PatternsAndrew Taylor Still Founder of Osteopathy Thomas Myers / Anatomy Trains

You have some fantastic posts on fascial release, can you share with us your views around fascia and the importance of self-maintenance around fascial release

The word fascia simply describes the complex webbing of connective tissue found within the body that envelops and connects every organ, tissue, fibre and bone. When the fascial slings have proper tonus, they work together to provide functional integrity during static postures and dynamic movements in our three earthly planes. Fascia is made from collagen, one of the most influencing ingredients determining our level of flexibility and greatly influences our mobility. The collagenous webbing spread throughout the body facilitates circulation and neural transmission between our brain and our muscles. Fascia can bind and restrict our functional range of motion when we are chronically stressed or dehydrated. It is essential that we restore balance to our mind and promote lifestyle habits that enable our thriving function. The health of our nervous, hormonal and digestive systems governs the balance and function of our fascial system.Since I began my exploration of my own fascial lines, through both specific resistance band stretching and functional strengthening of their slings, I am restoring full function and integration within my body. It feels amazing to move into new ranges of motion, which in the past been so heavily restricted. I am forever grateful to Thomas Myers for all the time spent developing this modern approach to understanding the holistic function of the human body. Id highly recommend you purchase Anatomy Trains if youre sincerely passionate about restoring and maintaining optimal body mechanics.

What are some of the most common dysfunctions you see when working with clients?

Due to chronic stress, poor nutrition, heavy pharmaceutical use and lifestyle habits over past generations we are pre-disposed to some pretty radical physiological irregularities that drive many dysfunctions within our modern body. Human beings have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years, we are renowned for adapting to whatever environment we live in. Many problems are surfacing from our most modern environment, whereby we are predominantly interacting with an electromagnetic cyber space that disengages us from our body and the natural habitat we evolved in. Many people I see these days lack total integration throughout the body. I work to re-establish basic body-mind connections first through the breath, then facilitate segmental awareness and develop intrinsic core stabilization abilities. After which I gradually integrate the use of the upper and lower extremities in primal pattern movements and further into athletic development of fine motor skills.

Source

Favourite exercise?

I feel alive and well when I spend time in a natural environment that arouses my childlike sense of play. I choose to live in a pretty beautiful part of the world that provides me with a variety of natural playgrounds. One day I might go for a surf/bodysurf, the next I might trail around the rocky headland and back. I also like to swim across the protected bay down the road from me, hike mountains, play on sand dunes and climb trees. Variety is the key! Running, swimming and playing in nature requires great neuro-muscular coordination, strength and balance. I have a nice personal space set up in my house where I can fine tune my bodys functional abilities and enjoy lots of quiet time amongst my work and studies.

Whats your ideal pre and post workout nutrition?

Pre - Be well hydrated and rested, I prefer to train on a mostly empty stomach. My favourite thing after a workout is something very nourishing and easy to assimilate. I love a berry, banana, and coconut smoothie with a few extra ingredients like powdered plant roots, or herbs specific to your bodys medicinal needs. I also integrate the natural Red Hippo elite blend of natural substances that helps to replenish fascial tissues after training.I also highly recommend fermented fooods to optimize hydration and quality bone broths for tissue regeneration.

Courtney can be found at:

Instagram: @Humanushabilitation

Facebook: facebook.com/humanushabilitation

Email: humanushabilitation@gmail.com