PRACTITIONER PROFILE
I also love watching our community grow . I am now seeing clients come into the clinic who used to come in as children accompanying their parents . It ’ s rewarding to see these young adults , some of whom now have children of their own , continue to embrace natural therapies .
Rosa Ghidella
Which modalities do you practise ? I currently practise remedial massage , prenatal massage , aromatherapy , Chinese Acupressure massage and reflexology . I have also studied a little about herbs .
How long have you been in practice ? It is hard to believe but I have just celebrated 25 years in practice .
What have been the major influences on your career ? I was always fascinated by natural remedies and therapies . When I was a teenager , I loved making my own hair and skin potions , using things I could afford or things from the kitchen pantry or garden . My Italian-born parents and grandparents used to grow their own herbs , fruit and vegetables , and make a lot of their own foods from scratch , using the wisdom of generations before them . As they grew older , I watched my parents get caught in the cycle of relying on multiple medications , facing more and more complications as they aged . This experience fuelled my determination to use my work to raise awareness and educate others about the power of natural therapies . Nature offers us an abundance of therapeutic gifts that have stood the test of time .
What advice would you give to a new practitioner starting out ? Make self-care a priority . You can ’ t give your best if you ' re burnt out . I love what I do , and over the years , I ’ ve worked hard to support my clients and manage a small business through some challenging times . But that dedication also left me feeling depleted and burned out . Now , I make it a point to prioritize my own well-being — whether it ' s getting a massage or acupuncture or going for a walk — ensuring I take time for myself each week to recharge and care for my health .
What are your future ambitions ? I love writing and have had a few book ideas and courses fermenting in my head for the last few years . I ’ d love to share what I have learned with a wider audience , so this might be the next chapter in my career .
What are your reflections on the present state of the natural medicine profession and their direction for the future ? Our world is currently experiencing significant upheaval , and I believe the natural medicine profession is crucial to both individual health and the well-being of our planet . COVID has played a key role in shifting our collective awareness , with more people seeking authentic , holistic , and sustainable healthcare approaches that don ’ t rely on pharmaceuticals . While I ’ m disappointed that our government has not given more support to the natural medicine industry , I firmly believe we have a vital and increasingly important role to play in the future of modern healthcare .
Prior to the work I do now , I was a counsellor and worked as a community development officer with a local council . I have always valued the importance of community , believing that the support one receives from being part of a community is a vital component of an individual ’ s health and well-being .
What do you like about being a natural medicine practitioner ? I take great satisfaction in knowing that the work I do has the power to transform not only the health and quality of life of my clients but also positively impact their families and communities . What may seem like something simple , such as easing someone ’ s pain to help them move more freely and sleep better , can be deeply transformational for that individual .
JATMS | Summer 2024 | 237