Dr Doug Eldred

Natural Health & Wellbeing Specialist
Principal Chiropractor
Owner of the Ryde Holistic Wellness Centre

My passion for Chiropractic started whilst growing up in Queensland. I loved rugby, water skiing, surfing, basically anything that kept me outdoors and moving. One day whilst being a usual teenager, I ended up in a world of back pain. I was wrongly diagnosed with a slipped disc, and prescribed strong pain killers, lots of bed rest and a teenager’s worst nightmare, no physical activities.

After six months of seeing specialist after specialist, I wasn’t getting any better, instead, I was only getting heavier, and with more pain! At the same time my Mum had been suffering from neck pain and migraines. Not exactly a cup of tea whilst bringing up two active kids!

After also being prescribed strong pain killers that did nothing but space her out, she made the choice to take us both to see a Chiropractor. This one small decision not only got us both out of pain but shaped my life in terms of career and ultimately my passion.

After a few treatments Mum no longer had migraines and I was back on the footy field. From that day forth I worked on building a career in Chiropractic. My work experience with a local Chiropractor reinforced my growing passion for the field.

I now have the extreme privilege of being the owner and principal Chiropractor of the Ryde Holistic Wellness Centre. Every day I help people live healthy and pain free lives – what a job!

As my journey into Chiropractic has developed I have had the pleasure of discovering new techniques and modalities which compliment chiropractic and my skills. The more I learn about holistic care the more amazed I am at how incredible the human body is.

My Vision has been evolving since I started my career and I am pleased to announce that the Ryde Holistic Wellness Centre, my dream clinic, is now complete.

We have created a space which builds our clients’ health and one where practitioners and patients are friends.

We cater for all ages and all levels of health and fitness. Our practitioners are experienced and understanding and spend the required time with each and every one of their clients.

Helping people live completely mobile and pain free lives, to me, is the best job in the world. I look forward to seeing you at the clinic soon..

Find out more about my Complete Health Assessments

Dr Jiansen Khio

Chiropractor

After a string of injuries during high school I become intimately familiar with the associated pain and frustration they can cause. So it was a natural progression for me to find myself studying Chiropractic. The amazing power of Chiropractic is that not only can it heal the body but it also has the ability to safeguard it from further injuries in the future

I was a very active kid growing up. I started playing tennis when I was 7, took up karate at 8, and then picked up soccer three years later. Things were going great for many years until, during a soccer match, I stepped awkwardly and rolled my ankle. At the time all I knew was to rest, ice, compress and elevate. After weeks of limping around with no improvement, my aunt suggested I visit a Chiropractor. The next week I was back on the soccer field, kicking the ball like there was no tomorrow!

A month later I took up basketball, and I ended up injuring my ankle again! The Chiropractor believed the flattened arch of my foot was why my ankle was so injury-prone, and so prescribed some Orthotics. It was not long before I was back on the field, court, and dojo. I have never had a problem with the ankle since!

A snowboarding accident sparked my interest in shoulders. The shoulder is such a complex biomechanical structure that I took it upon myself to gain further training. I have completed the upper limb component of the FICS qualification, and look forward to completing the full program.

The brain knows where the body is in space via stretch receptors in the joints. Chiropractic can improve coordination by activating these receptors. Posture plays a major role in providing an efficient, stable platform for the body to perform everyday tasks. Poor posture can lead to joints losing their full range of motion and becoming painful. Many problems can be prevented just by maintaining a correct posture.

Keeping fit and healthy through exercise is a strong passion of mine, and I will gladly help anyone who would like to jump on the bandwagon!

The body is a complex machine that is made up of a number of systems all working together in harmony. I would love for every person to be able to reach their fullest potential, physically, mentally, and emotionally. That is why I love working Ryde Holistic Clinic because patients have the access to different modalities which work together to unlock their body’s abilities.

Find out more about our Pain Examinations

Linda Werbeloff

Psychologist
Counsellor

I am a psychologist with specialised skills and training in counselling, group work and adult education. I have over 20 years experience. My long-standing interest in the mind-body connection, and the holistic approach to physical and mental health, has led me to join the practice at the Ryde Holistic Wellness Centre.

I provide individual counselling for adults and/ or adolescents. If there is an interest and sufficient demand, I will provide group sessions to cater for specific needs such as relaxation or support groups. In therapy I like to work with my clients to engage, develop and increase their strengths and strategies. My aim is to empower you, so that you can more effectively manage, change and improve your life.

I see people with a range of presenting issues including: Anxiety, Depression, Sexuality and Gender Identity, Conflict, Communication, Cross - cultural issues, Stress, Pain, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Sleep difficulties, Anger, Work related problems and Dependencies: Alcohol and Other Drugs, Gambling & Quitting Smoking.

In counselling, I draw on a range of clinical approaches with a focus on evidence-based treatments. I use Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed Brief Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I can incorporate Hypnotherapy, plus a variety of psychotherapy techniques including Narrative Therapy, Family Therapy and Systems Therapy.

Medicare rebates available with GP referral

To find out how Psychological Counselling can help you.

To find out more Anxiety and Depression

To find out more about Addictions & Dependencies

Toshie Hamamoto

Remedial Massage Therapist,
Hot Stone Massage Expert

I was born in Japan and now live in Australia with my husband and my son. I love massage therapy and really enjoy releasing tight muscles. My interest in massage begun when I was travelling in Zurich Switzerland.  I was visiting my friend & during my holiday something amazing happened.  I was touching the hand of my friend’s mother who was considering going in for surgery. She was working at cold room at the local super market in Zurich.  I do not know what I did but accidentally I fixed her hand.  After that her doctor was very surprised that she did not require surgery.  That small but remarkable incident drove me to study Remedial Massage.

I attended Meadowbank TAFE and studied Remedial Massage graduating in 2006.  This opened up the world of massage for me and I have been working as a massage therapist since.  I have recently improved my qualifications and I am now a qualified Aroma therapist and Hot Stone Massage expert.

I specialize in Hot Stone Massage.  I really find that I can get a lot more of a release out of clients muscles by using the stones heat and weight as massage tools.  I use hot stone to massage your feet, legs & ankles, arms & hands, back & neck.  This helps remove muscular tension, relaxes your body and remove pain.  Hot Stones also stimulate nerve endings on the skin, meridian points and chakras.  The heat and pressure also stimulates the Parasympathetic Nervous system which brings a much deeper level of relaxation to the client, often they fall asleep!

The Parasympathetic Nervous system is responsible for the “rest & digest” phase of the bodies daily cycles.  Often therapists use “body work” to help clients go into that state.  The hot stones assist me in this process whilst I am massaging other areas with my hands.

In my spare time I practice Kendo and Jodo and I am beginning to learn how to use energy or “Chi” during the practice of these martial arts.  Humans are not only physical beings; we are driven by our mind and sprit too.  Training Kendo and Jodo is important for me to improve “Chi” in my body and to open up my mental & energetic world.  

I enjoy working at the Ryde Holistic Wellness Centre as I can help clients with my skills, I can gain knowledge from the other different professionals and work with them to attain far better outcomes for the clients than achievable through massage alone.

To find out more about Hot Stone Massage

Find out more about Pregnancy Massage

Kane Puna

Remedial Massage Therapist,
Deep Remedial Massage
Energetic Healer

Hi my name is Kane & I am of Maori descent.  Hailing from Aotearoa (New Zealand) and arriving in Australia in 1987, I took on a few jobs that were more or less meaningless but a means to an end.  Coming from a large family and long line of energy healers I decided to take on a more recognised form of working through the body and mind.  I am passionate about supporting my team the All Blacks and the New Zealand Warriors.  But my number one passion is my family and friends.  I also volunteer with “Ankali & Acon” in Surry Hills where I help people using my massage and healing skills.

What better way than understanding the techniques, the mechanism and the thought process that the body takes to function.  While the body can tell a thousand stories in how it moves, responses and heals it is the mind that tends to be left to their own devices

Getting to understand that the personality carries emotional baggage the body to some degree also with conjunction of the mind stores it through different areas.  With certain techniques and with respect to the client, I offer a moment of peace and clarity that the muscles respond to by opening a window to the underlying emotional state, be it work, person or home.  Also the body can take in its grievances & memories of the past and only if the client is willing to open up first, can some of this work be performed. 

I want to make it clear that my therapy is without judgement and completely respectful to the client. I am first of all a Remedial massage Therapist which is my primary intention.  I studied at Australian College of Natural Therapies in Surrey Hills.  Using deep tissue, triggers, compression and myofascial release I have found a way to combine my cultural knowledge to give the best treatment I can.

I grew up believing the mind and body is one of the same yet when it comes to western treatment the gradual shift of acknowledging this still has a long way to go. Intuitive healing engages the holistic view of the personality, ego and memory that plants itself into the frame work of the body.  Primarily come for the massage first and the rest will take care of itself.  I have not met a client yet who I am unable to connect with.

I am passionate about my work because I am able to fully express myself and use my innate skills in a way that helps people on many levels.  I always give 100% of my self to any client as I believe that I get more back from satisfied clients on a spiritual level than I give out.

Hiroko Amagaya

Remedial Massage Therapist,
Thai Massage Expert

I have been working as a Thai massage and Shiatsu therapist for more than 10 years and was teaching these vibrant body works at a private college and vocational schools in Thailand and Japan for over 7 years.

While I was teaching massages in Thailand, I met a lot of great manual therapists like Chiropractors, Physiotherapists and Osteopaths( basically they visited Thailand to learn Thai massage yet I have learnt a lot from them!!), and found western natural medicine is really “COOL!” So I decided to come to Australia to study western manual therapies.

I have obtained a diploma of Remedial massage, Aromatherapy and international Diploma of Sports massage here in Australia. I am specialized in Thai massage, Foot reflexology, Shiatsu, Pregnancy massage and Sports massage.

As my back ground is oriental and western body works, my massage technique is quite unique and I choose the most suitable techniques to best treat your problems.

PNF stretching is commonly used by athletes to help increase range of motion and it is also used for the rehabilitation of muscles, For sports injury, I incorporate this technique into Thai massage.

My goal as a massage therapist is to connect to others in every stage of their life, from their pregnancy to the last with my hands.

Through my travel around the amazing countries I have learnt many traditional massages in Thailand, India, China and Tibet.

One thing in common is that they treat people as a whole. My Tibetan massage teacher, who is a monk, 76yo, told me once,

”If you want to treat and care people, you must see their birth, their sickness, their aging and even you should be present with their last moment to understand people. Once you understand and you can heal people…."

Find out more about Thai Massage

George Chiotellis

Remedial Massage Therapist,
Occupational Massage Therapist

My journey in massage began in 2002 completing a short course in massage at The Australian College of Natural Therapies Sydney and discovered the amazing living machine called the human body. The ever changing anatomy and physiology of our bodies and how it reacts to our environment day after day..

After studying for the of Diploma of Remedial Massage, at the Northern Sydney Institute – TAFE NSW,   I have since, gained manual experience by working as a remedial massage therapist in Sydney, treating all kinds of soft tissue ailments.

Many people are unaware of the fact that everything that happens to them in their lifetime will ultimately have some impact on their body.  Since no two people have experienced exactly the same history, relationships, sports, careers or stresses, no two people are the same.  It’s important to understand that every client’s body is different and therefore requires an individual approach with therapy.

I love the fact that I am able to work hands on with clients to help alleviate the pain and tension in their bodies that our busy, stressful lifestyles can create.  I believe that the massage therapist’s role is to direct the minds focus to the soft tissue requiring attention.

As well as specializing in Remedial, sports and Deep Tissue work, I also treat ailments that have occurred at our work stations. Unraveling the mechanics that have caused our bodies to become tight, sore and painful is what I love.

For example, Situations like, sitting at our desks in front of a computer screen or standing for long periods of time in front of a classroom. Aching necks, shoulders, headaches and generally feeling down, can be remedied, and reversed with an individually set massage routine and other appropriate treatments.

Appropriate treatment plans are set for each client on each visit . Ranging from a light relaxing massage or lymphatic work to deep tissue and sports massage or it can be a combination of them to induce a released and relaxed body and mind.

Anne-Marie Palmer

Remedial Massage Therapist,

I just wanted to tell you all a little bit about myself. I have two teenage children and live in the Hills District. I'm currently studying Health Science at the University of Western Sydney, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation. Previous to this I studied Remedial massage for two years and obtained a diploma from Meadowbank TAFE in 2006 and the Certificate 1V in Aromatherapy a year later

In my spare time I like to go to read, walk my dogs and listen to music. I'm a keen fan of my son’s soccer team and attend as many of the games as possible during the season.

I decided to become a massage therapist after receiving my first massage and realising the great benefits to me both physically and emotionally. I particularly enjoyed learning about human anatomy which was very challenging and interesting.

After completing my studies in Remedial Massage at TAFE I found a job I could do that I really enjoyed.  I can help people both physically and mentally utilising my anatomy & physiology skills and knowledge and to provide a quality treatment to people who are suffering.

That’s why I love working at Ryde Holistic Wellness Centre. Not only can I work with people and see their progress, I can work in an interdisciplinary environment where patients receive holistic care that I know is first class.

My massage specialities include; remedial, trigger point therapy, aromatherapy, sports and Swedish massage. Over the years I have gained a vast knowledge from both my studies and personal experience.

Hans Peterson

Energetic Intuitve Healer
Light Therapist
Mind Body Specialist

I was born in Switzerland and my original career was as a mechanical engineer. My life changed when I was 25 and I got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This incident gave me an insight into how single dimensional the western medical system was and started me on a journey of discovery.

I then decided to do my own research into the causes of these M.S like symptoms. I searched for answers and found floatation tanks which succeeded in reducing the problems associated with the M.S like symptoms by about 70%. I was still not happy with the result and started searching within the metaphysical arts including colour light therapy and now I am free from the symptoms.

This experience touched me deeply and set my life path in motion. I have studied many techniques similar to Reiki and have found these to be powerful healing arts. I have experimented with energy work in and out of water. And found the combination of these arts and modalities to be highly effective and complimentary to each other. Using these arts to help people has been a truly amazing experience for me.

I discovered that when I was working on someone else, it was much more powerful than when done on myself and I believe that I get more back from satisfied clients on a spiritual level than I give out.

My journey into the intuitive arts began with people seeking me out for guidance & help. Those people that acted on my messages made great shifts in their lives in a positive direction. I have helped people out with readings over the years, but meeting like minded individuals and learning from them and taking their advice is where my strength has really come from.

Using my engineering background I have been building energetic and vibrational healing devices for many years and the lights I use now are very powerful and highly effective. Light & Vibrational healing uses specific wavelengths of light and frequencies of vibrations to re-charge the bodies energy centre’s (chakras) and repair the holes in your aura.

I use my intuitive gifts to counsel clients and pass on messages from their guides to help them deal with whatever challenge they are facing. My sessions really get into the deep underlying “nitty gritty” cause of the problem and deal with that rather than dealing with the symptoms.

Clients leave a session with me feeling full of energy, clear, at peace and with direction.

Click here to find out how emotions and thoughts can cause health challenges.