This delicate slow-cooked pork belly gives up a glorious floral aroma thanks to an unusual combination of fragrant spices. It’s surprisingly light to eat, especially served with some steamed rice, veggies and pickles, with the delicious broth spooned over.

In the clinic I’m often shocked to discover how little we understand about menopause as a society. Most perimenopausal women have never had the purpose of menopause explained to them and don’t understand what is happening in their bodies and why. We make the assumptions as a society that it’s going to be a terrible time, that there won’t be much we can do about it and that we’ll be relieved when it’s over. We certainly rarely discuss the opportunities that menopause presents a woman or how she can use this amazing transitional time to her advantage. And we certainly rarely celebrate the beauty, grace and wisdom of the older woman. I’m going to discuss all of this here, and my wish is that you feel empowered by this information as you move onwards with your perimenopause journey.

Eating a plant-based or vegetarian diet takes a little more care and thought than an omnivore’s diet. If you’re not eating meat, the key to getting all the nutrients you need lies in variety. It’s important to include all the food groups; vegetable, wholegrains, legumes, dairy, nuts, seeds and fruit, and to explore widely within these groups. Many of us tend to stick to our comfort foods – things we like that we know how to prepare quickly and easily. In order to truly experience vital health, it’s important to branch out, experiment, and discover what each of our wonderful, unique bodies requires. So go forth and graze widely!

This article is a tribute to the brave, sensitive souls who are redefining what it means to live with autism. I’d like to celebrate the very special and essential gifts they have to offer the world and help to cut through another layer of misconception and stigma surrounding this poorly understood way of being. In the clinic, our go-to method for intense emotions and overwhelming states is to work with the luo vessels. The luo vessels act as a kind of pressure release valve for emotional buildup and are something we always consider when someone seeks help with autistic burnout.

These days, leading a hectic life, getting your period often seems like a big inconvenience, especially if you suffer from period pain. Mostly it isn't possible to take time out, but period pain can make getting through the day more difficult, or for some even impossible. It may be 'normal' to experience discomfort and inconvenience with your cycle, but a healthy cycle should be pain free.