Words: April Long, Sam Neibart, Cotton Codinha, Janna Johnson O’Toole. Photography: Blaublut; Sevak Babakhani (still-life)THE
FACIALIST
A visit to Valli Shubere’s
Melbourne clinic, Herbario,
is a near-religious experience.
Combining herbal tinctures and
unique massage techniques,
Shubere’s main focus is skin
detoxification, bringing it back
to optimal health or “hygiene”.
During the bespoke treatment
(expect firm, glowing skin and
chiselled cheekbones you
haven’t seen in years), Shubere
dispels life and health advice
with such sincerity you’ll be
besotted and consider inviting
her to your family Christmas.
herbario.com.auTHE
NATUROPATH
With a loyal following that
discreetly passes his name
around (lest his appointment
book fill up too quickly), David
Jivan is the go-to naturopath in
Sydney, helping clients in areas
including fertility and weight
loss. His holistic approach
combines Chinese medicine,
acupuncture and iridology,
creating individualised
treatment plans that yield
long-term, feel-amazing results.
davidjivannaturopath.comTHE
WELLNESS STUDIO
Blending meditation and yoga
isn’t a new concept, but W1LL
Studios are doing it differently
— building classes around
music and other multi-sensory
experiences including sight,
touch and movement.
Founded by industry veteran
Jacinta McDonell, W1LL is
turning centuries-old practices
into a modern experience.
w1ll.coTHE
CRYSTAL EXPERT
Rachel Crethar’s online crystal
and wellness site, Rock & Co,
offers crystals of all price
points arranged by intent (such
as love, healing and creativity)
so novices or experts can
curate a meaningful collection.
Rachel is available via email
to answer questions or provide
guidance (she’s completed
crystal healing courses),
giving a personalised touch.
therockandcoshop.com.auTHE
PSYCHIC MEDIUM
Looking to find closure or
connect with a loved one?
ELLE’s fashion editor swears by
the transcendental powers of
Mary King, though she’s not
the only one — appointments
fill up a year in advance (get
on the list by calling when
her books open up each
November). One 30-minute
session is a rollercoaster of
emotions and conversations,
but King allows you to record it.
Mary King, Camden, NSW,
0401 171 669THE
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Under the firm pressure of
Sawa at Sydney’s Door No.
18 Spa, muscle knots melt
away, and seemingly, life’s
worries. A massage treatment
with her is described as
“life-changing”, as she uses
a blend of techniques including
hot stone massage, intuitively
addressing every kink. You’ll
walk out standing a little taller
and feeling a lot lighter, with
an overwhelming sense of
complete relaxation. E
doornumber18.comEMBRACE THE DARK
Blue light signals our brains to stop producing melatonin,
which is necessary for shut-eye, so avoid screens at least 45
minutes before bed. Set your phone to aeroplane mode
and use a sleep mask to block out as much light as possible.- Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink, $50, SLIP, slip.com.au
TRY AROMATHERAPY
Before you turn in, generously spritz your pillow with spray
that contains lavender, a natural sedative that’s been shown
in clinical studies to foster better-quality sleep. Ylang ylang
essential oil has also been linked to relaxation.- Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, $39, THIS WORKS,
mecca.com.au
KNOW YOUR SUPPLEMENTS
Stress-relieving magnesium is known to summon sleep.
“You’re probably not getting enough in your diet”, says
Breus, who recommends taking the mineral in a 200-
to 250-milligram dose 90 minutes before bed.- Ultiboost Sleep, $26.99, SWISSE, swisse.com
NAP IN MODERATION
Regular naps aren’t the solution for sleep deprivation, but if
you’re desperate, Breus suggests a “nap-a-latte” – a small
coffee followed by 30 minutes sleep. You’ll wake up just as
the caffeine kicks in, raring to go.SEEK OUT
YOU R GU RU
2.1.