Nature Woman
Nikki Valentini is a Clinical Nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner who is absolutely passionate about gut health and living a healthy life. I have participated in her annual Spring detox cleanse twice now and not only do I see excellent results but it has taught me so much more about food. Nikki lives in a rural village in Central Victoria, her home is beautifully humble, with earthen walls and natural finishes. Thank you Nikki for kindly opening up your nature home for my journal. x
Q. Nikki, Tell me a little bit about your work ?
My areas of special interest include tailored detoxification programs as well as treating midlife women for hormone balancing and thyroid health. It is always an honour to listen to the stories of my clients and walk alongside their healing journey. I love biochemistry and love tracking solving the biochemical puzzle happening in each person. Food is also such an important and meaningful tool to work with. I observe daily our attachment to food rituals - some healthy and some not!
Q. In the last few years it seems the buzzword for Beauty Therapy is 'Holistic'. What does Holistic Beauty mean for you ?
Holistic beauty represents to me how we feel inside and out. It includes the ways in which we cultivate happiness and the relationships we foster. Diet of course is very important, as well as a good and simple self care routine. A good, earnest smile is eternally beautiful, no matter how many lines there are on the face.
Q What is your skin care routine?
In the morning I cleanse with an Ayurvedic Soap followed by a toning mist and a simple oil of pure rosehip. If I am going to be in the sun for a long time, I apply a mineral based natural sunscreen to my face and hands. In the evening I use a cream cleanser followed by a ayurvedic vata balancing mist and 2 oils. One of them is Sea Buckthorn oil and again the pure rosehip oil. I use a gentle face scrub about once per week as well as apply a scrub to my body. I also support my skin with my dietary choices. I eat good fats containing omega 3's such as fatty fish as well as flaxseed oil and avocado. Fatty fish also contain retinol (Vitamin A) which is very good for skin, gut health and energy production in the body. I often find many women do not get enough vitamin A in retinol form.
Q Which part of your home do you seek solace?
My meditation cushion at the window in the early mornings. My bedroom can also be a place to withdraw. We have a rambling garden that also has many little nooks that are wonderful and quiet.
Q I noticed some feathers dotted around your home, what does the Feather signify for you?
Since I was about 2 years old my nickname was 'Bird'. My mother said I behaved like a little fairy wren. We used to have bird books at home in the place I grew up. Mum would talk about the birds and was keen to identify them. I now have bird books in my house and love to identify the many birds that inhabit our garden. Birds have complex calls like their own language. Sometimes I can hear little groups of them chatting to one another outside my bedroom in the morning. It sounds a lot like a girls weekend!
Q. What are your absolute favourite items from your wardrobe?
Ooh, that's hard. I only wear natural fibres, I find I sweat in synthetic clothing. The silk kimono featured in this is one of my favourite items. I wear it out as well as at home!I also love a comfortable pair of loose linen pants and light shirts. Also a good simple long black dress is important.
Nikki practices in Castlemaine and Yarraville (Melbourne)
You can find her on Instagram @supernature.nutrition
and on her website www.supernature.com.au
All images copyright © 2024, Helene Athanasiadis