✨ Why Following Your Dreams Is Good for Your Health
13 Jun

Over the years in my clinic, I’ve seen all sorts of health complaints walk through the door—fatigue, burnout, gut issues, brain fog, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances… you name it. But beneath the physical symptoms, there’s often a common thread that doesn’t show up on any blood test:

Disconnection from purpose.
Dreams left behind.
A quiet ache for something more.

I can feel it when people sit down—especially those in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond—when they’ve lived a life of looking after others, doing the right thing, ticking the boxes... but never truly listening to that whisper inside: “There’s something else I want.”

And it’s not just emotional.
That disconnection shows up in the body.


🌱 Your Nervous System Craves Purpose

When you’re not living in alignment with who you really are, your body knows.

You might feel tired all the time, even if your bloodwork is “fine.”

You might have trouble sleeping, feel anxious for no reason, or feel that lingering sense of blah you can’t shake.


That’s your nervous system in a constant state of low-grade stress.

But when you start to move toward your dreams—even if it’s just in small ways—your body responds. Your stress hormones settle. Your breathing deepens. Your digestion improves. Energy flows again. The immune system lifts. Your whole system says: “Thank you for coming home.”


💛 Your Body Knows When You’re Not Being True to Yourself

From a naturopathic perspective, emotional suppression can absolutely contribute to physical illness.

We store what we suppress.

Anger in the liver. Grief in the lungs. Fear in the kidneys.

And unfulfilled potential? That sits heavy in the heart and gut.


When we deny our dreams—when we tell ourselves it’s too late, too selfish, or too hard—we slowly dim our own light. And sometimes, symptoms are just our body’s way of trying to get our attention.


But here’s the good news:
You don’t need to make a massive leap overnight.
You just need to start.


✨ Joy Is a Healing Frequency

One of the most healing things we can do—mentally, emotionally, physically—is to give ourselves permission to feel joy again. To move toward what lights us up. Whether that’s starting a new project, learning something just for you, travelling, dancing (yes, even in the lounge room), writing, teaching, connecting—whatever sets your soul on fire.

And I can tell you this from experience.

For years, I told myself dancing wasn’t “practical.” That it was too late to start. I didn’t have time - if I wasn’t working I had to be with my family. Life was way too busy. But eventually at the age of 52 I had an epiphany while watching my daughter’s dance concert and I said yes - so I joined the local adult dance group and thought that if no one laughed at me I would go back - of course they were wonderful and no one laughed —and now I go to dance classes regularly. I have even done competitions and last January competed in the Nationals Dance comp in Adelaide! I never thought I would do that!

It’s one of the things that fills me with joy and gives me life. I also get to run a business that inspires me daily, working with people who are open, curious, and ready to heal.

I honestly believe that a big part of my good health today comes from saying yes to those parts of myself that I had ignored and  were waiting so long to be lived.

Because when you come alive… you heal.

I’ve seen people come off medications, regulate their hormones, lose weight naturally, improve their sleep, and regain their vitality—not because they found a magic herb, but because they finally started doing what they were here to do.

And they stopped apologising for it.

So here’s your gentle nudge: What’s one dream you’ve put on the shelf?
What’s one step you could take toward it this week?
It could be tiny—researching a course, blocking out an hour for you, picking up the guitar, booking the trip, writing the first sentence of the book.

Your health isn’t separate from your purpose.
Your body wants you to live a full life.
It’s not selfish to follow your dreams—it’s vital. For your spirit. For your health. For your family. For your joy.

Let’s Thrive Together

If this stirred something in you, I’d love to support you further—whether in clinic, in my workshops, or through the Thrive & Flow Pathway for practitioners ready to dream bigger and live lighter.

You deserve a life that feels good in your body and aligned with your heart. Read More…

Why I Chose Natural Medicine: My Journey to Healing & Helping
6 Jun

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d become a naturopath. In fact, like most people, I thought health came in the form of a script from the doctor and a few instructions to “rest and see how it goes.” But somewhere along the line, that never quite sat right with me.

I come from a big Greek family — loud, loving, full of life — and also full of stories passed down from yiayias and aunties who knew what herbs to boil when your stomach hurt, what foods to avoid when you were sick, and how to care for the body like it was sacred. Back then, I didn’t realise how deeply those moments were shaping me. I just knew they worked.



A Turning Point: Asking Bigger Questions

It wasn’t until my late teens that I really began to question what true health meant. I’d watch people I loved bounce between appointments, taking one pill to deal with the side effects of another. They weren’t getting better — they were surviving.
And I didn’t want to just survive. I wanted to understand.

That hunger to understand led me to study Naturopathy. At first, it was overwhelming. Anatomy, biochemistry, herbal pharmacology — it was a lot. But every step I took felt like I was remembering something ancient. Like I was returning to a truth I’d always known, deep down: the body has an incredible capacity to heal, if we learn how to listen.



The Power of Iridology & Bowen Therapy

When I discovered Iridology, I was hooked. The idea that your eyes — those tiny, detailed windows — could reveal what’s going on inside your body and mind? It felt like magic. But it was backed by science, case studies, and years of clinical observation. I started seeing patterns in people’s irises that matched the symptoms they’d been experiencing for years. And more importantly — things would shift once we addressed what the eyes were showing.

Then came Bowen Therapy — a game-changer in every sense. It was so subtle, yet so powerful. I’d perform a few gentle moves, leave the room, and come back to find the client’s body already unwinding layers of tension. It taught me something that still stays with me to this day: the body doesn’t need force. It needs permission.



Healing Isn’t Linear — It’s a Dialogue

Over time, I came to understand that healing isn’t about fixing. It’s about listening.
It’s not linear. It’s layered. And often, it’s less about what we add in — and more about what we take away: stress, toxicity, pressure, perfectionism.

I’ve seen people’s lives change not from the most expensive supplement or the most extreme detox, but from finally understanding the signals their body had been whispering for years.



From Practitioner to Mentor

Now, after 25 years in practice, my passion has deepened in a new direction: helping other practitioners.
There’s so much burnout in the natural health world — so many kind-hearted, smart therapists who are incredible at what they do, but feel overwhelmed trying to build a business. I’ve been there. And I now love guiding them toward more ease, clarity, and confidence — so they can keep doing the work they love without burning out.

I also continue to support families — especially parents who want to keep their kids strong, naturally. I believe education is the foundation. When we understand the body and how to support it early, we change the whole future of a family.



I Chose This Work Because It Chose Me

Natural medicine is not just my job — it’s my calling. It’s the quiet nudge I’ve felt again and again throughout life. It’s in the trust of every client who walks through the door. It’s in the sparkle in someone’s eye when they realise they’re allowed to feel good again.

And that’s why I do what I do. To help people feel empowered. To teach that healing is not about being perfect — it’s about being in relationship with your body. And to remind everyone that the wisdom is already inside them.
I’m just here to help them hear it.



Naturopath | Bowen Therapist | Iridologist

North East Naturopathic Group

To explore my courses, head to: christosmili.org.au

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Kombucha: A Naturopath’s View on This Fermented Wonder
30 May

There’s something special about watching a client light up when they find a natural remedy that not only tastes good — but actually makes them feel better. One of those quiet achievers I often come back to in clinic is kombucha.



Now, kombucha isn’t new — it’s been around for centuries, used in various cultures as a health tonic. But it’s only in recent years that it’s made its way into the mainstream: lined up on supermarket shelves, brewed in home kitchens, and poured into trendy glass bottles. But beyond the fizz and flavour is something far more powerful — a living, breathing reminder that nature knows how to heal when we give it the right environment.



🌱 So What Is Kombucha?

Kombucha is made by fermenting tea (usually green or black) with a SCOBY — a Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast. Think of it like a jellyfish-shaped mother culture that floats in your brew and transforms the tea over 7–14 days.


During fermentation, the SCOBY digests the sugar and produces:


Organic acids — like acetic and glucuronic acid — support your body’s natural detox pathways and offer antimicrobial protection.
Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
B vitamins are essential for energy production, mental clarity, and nervous system health.
Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria, help keep your gut happy and your immune system strong.

Every batch is a little different depending on the tea, sugar, and temperature.
That’s part of the magic.

It’s not just a drink — it’s a living culture.


✨ The Potential Health Benefits

As a naturopath, I look for remedies that support the body, rather than override it. Kombucha is one of those supportive, slow-burn healers that can gently nudge you toward better health. Here’s how:


🛡️ Antioxidant Power


Kombucha made with green tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that help protect the body from cell damage. This is particularly helpful in reducing inflammation and boosting immune resilience — especially during stressful times or seasonal transitions.


🦠 Gut Support + Digestive Ease


The probiotics in kombucha can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. And we now know the gut is connected to just about everything — from mood and mental health to energy, hormones, immunity, and skin. A small glass of kombucha can be a beautiful daily gut reset.


💧 Liver Detoxification


Glucuronic acid, one of the organic acids produced during fermentation, binds to toxins and helps the liver excrete them more effectively. This makes kombucha a gentle ally in supporting your body’s natural detox process.


🩺 Blood Sugar Balance


Preliminary research suggests kombucha may help regulate blood sugar levels, especially when brewed with green tea. While more research is needed, the results so far are encouraging — particularly for those managing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.


⚠️ A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Like any natural remedy, kombucha isn’t a one-size-fits-all miracle drink. Here are a few things to be mindful of:


Go slow: If you’re new to kombucha, start with a small amount (around 100ml) and notice how your body responds.


🔬 What Does the Research Say?

While kombucha has been loved by traditional cultures for generations, modern science is still catching up. Most of the current studies have been conducted on animals or in lab settings — but they’ve shown promising signs in areas like:



-  Liver detox and enzyme protection

-  Blood sugar regulation

-  Antimicrobial activity

-  Anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer properties

-  Human studies are beginning to emerge, and they’re exciting — but for now, kombucha is best used as a gentle support, not a cure.



🧘 My Advice as a Naturopath

Kombucha isn’t a quick fix. But it’s a beautiful example of how small daily rituals can add up to powerful shifts in health.



When I recommend kombucha, it’s usually as part of a bigger picture: alongside whole foods, rest, movement, and emotional support. I see it as a simple, accessible tonic that reminds us to tune in, slow down, and support our body from the inside out.



And let’s be honest — it’s delicious. Whether you’re brewing your own or buying a trusted brand, kombucha is a great way to reconnect with natural rhythms and nourish your microbiome with every sip.



Have you tried kombucha?

Got a favourite flavour or brewing tip? I’d love to hear your experience. Let’s keep learning and healing together — one glass at a time.



By Christos Miliankos, Naturopath | Bowen Therapist | Iridologist Read More…

The Story of a Number One Boy
24 May

The Story of a Number One Boy

…and why understanding birth order changed how I see myself — and raised my kids. 👨‍👦

Have you ever wondered why the same parenting approach works wonders with one child but backfires completely with another? 🤷‍♂️ Why your firstborn is a perfectionist, your middle child a fire-cracker 🔥, and your youngest a nature lover? 🌿 The truth is, they’re wired differently — and understanding why can change everything. 💡

One of the most powerful tools I’ve come across in understanding family dynamics is Rayid Birth Order, developed by Denny Johnson from Rayid International. 📚 Unlike traditional birth order theories, Rayid identifies twelve distinct positions — six for boys, six for girls — each with its own unique set of traits, strengths, and emotional challenges. 🧠

I’m what you’d call a textbook “Number One Boy.” And the moment I learned what that meant, a whole lot of my life started making sense. 🪞

Traits of the First Son (Number One Boy)
According to the Rayid model, the first son is often:

• Sensitive and quietly rebellious 😶‍🌫️
  
• Strongly bonded with the mother 🤱
  
• Tends to clash with the father 🧱
  
• Craves freedom and resists pressure 🕊️
  
• Often physically delicate in early years 🍼
  
• Protective, especially of the mother 🛡️
  
• Prone to self-sabotage when pushed too hard ⚠️
  

Reading that list was like someone had handed me a mirror. These weren’t just personality traits — they were emotional patterns I had lived through, often without having the words to describe them. 🧩

My Story: From the Village to the Big City
I was born in a small mountain village in Northern Greece — the first child, first grandchild, and first nephew in my family. 🏔️ To say I was adored is an understatement. My aunties and yiayia (grandmother) treated me like royalty. 👑 I didn’t even learn to walk until I was 16 months old — not because I couldn’t, but because no one ever put me down. I was cradled, cuddled, and carried every moment of the day, and I loved every bit of it. 🥰

But at 3½ years old, everything changed. My father had already moved to Australia to work and support us, and now it was time for my mother and I to follow. ✈️ We left the comfort and warmth of our familiar village life and arrived in cold, concrete Melbourne. 🏙️ I suddenly found myself living with a man I hardly knew — my own father — and I felt completely out of place. Even the postman didn’t know my name. 📭

It was disorienting, heartbreaking, and deeply lonely. 💔

The Emotional Tug-of-War
Starting school was a shock. I didn’t speak a word of English. 🗣️❌ I clung to my mother’s skirt every morning, crying and begging her not to leave me. 😢 That sense of being lost, of not belonging, stayed with me well into my teenage years. I often describe those early years in Australia as living in a fog 🌫️.

I was emotionally fused with my mother. We were close — incredibly close — and I became her little protector. 🛡️ Whenever she and my father fought (which was often), I would instinctively take her side. I felt her pain, carried her stress, and tried to be the support she needed, even though I was just a child. 👦💔

At the same time, my father wanted me to be strong and resilient — to play soccer ⚽, to eat meat 🍖, to toughen up. But I was a vegetarian, not out of principle, but because I couldn’t bear the thought of eating animals I considered my friends. 🐑 Eventually, under pressure, I gave in. But instead of turning into the athlete my father hoped for, I became the chubby Greek boy who made perfect pizza dough — because I loved being in the kitchen with my mum. 🍕👩‍🍳

Finding My Wings
When I turned 16, something inside me changed. I needed to break free. 🕊️ I planned my first solo trip — back to Greece — and in the lead-up, I lost 20 kilos. That trip changed me. ✨ It was my first big step toward independence, and I’ll never forget the feeling of reconnecting with my roots, on my own terms. 🇬🇷

Later, I left Australia to study in America 🇺🇸 and live in Japan 🇯🇵. These moves weren’t just geographical — they were emotional leaps, a way to finally cut the umbilical cord my mother had so tightly wrapped around me. ✂️ I still remember her face at the airport as I left. “I hope this is the last time you do this to us,” she said, tearfully. 😢 Her guilt was strong, but my need to grow was stronger. 💪

The Role Never Leaves You
Even with two younger siblings — my sister Jenny, five years younger, and my brother George, ten years younger — I always felt like the third parent. 👨‍👩‍👧 Especially with George, who was born with Cystic fibrosis. When I was just 10, I was already helping take care of him during the overlap between my parents’ shift work. 🩺 I took it seriously. That protective instinct, that sense of responsibility — it’s always been with me. ❤️

Even now, as adults, we share a deep bond. 🤝 And even now, I’m still that Number One Boy — fiercely loyal, emotionally intuitive, and grounded in family. 🧬

How Rayid Birth Order Helps Families Thrive
Discovering Rayid Birth Order helped me make sense of my childhood, my family relationships, and the patterns I kept repeating. 🔁 But more than that — it transformed how I raise my own kids. 👨‍👧‍👦

I’m a dad to five incredible children, each with their own rhythms, needs, and quirks. 🌈 What works for one completely backfires on another. Some thrive with freedom, others need clear boundaries. Some express everything outwardly, others process quietly and deeply. 🌊

Understanding their birth order positions was like being handed a key to their emotional worlds. 🔑

It taught me this powerful truth:
I don’t have to treat them all the same.
In fact — I shouldn’t. 🚫👥

Each child has a unique emotional blueprint. When I lean into that and honour it, they feel safer. 🛏️ More seen 👁️. More loved ❤️. And as a parent, I feel more connected and confident, because I’m no longer guessing — I’m guided. 🧭

This isn’t just useful for parents. It’s powerful for practitioners, teachers, coaches — anyone who works with people. 👩‍🏫👨‍⚕️👥

That’s why I now offer a Rayid Birth Order course, available anytime at:
👉 https://christosmili.org/courses/rayid-birth-order/

If you’re curious about why you (or your kids, partner, clients — even your own parents) behave the way they do, this course is eye-opening. 👁️ You’ll learn how to better understand yourself and the people around you — and maybe even develop a deeper appreciation for them. 💫

You’ll gain:
✅ A practical framework for understanding emotional dynamics in families
✅ Deeper empathy and clarity around why people behave the way they do
✅ Tools to better support your children’s growth and self-worth
✅ Insight into your own childhood patterns — and how to heal and reframe them

This work has been transformative in my own life and in the lives of hundreds of families I’ve worked with. 🙏 I’d love to share it with you.

When you understand the emotional DNA of your family, everything changes. 🧬

Here’s to raising strong, sensitive, beautifully different humans —
One insight at a time. ✨

Warmly,
Christos









Read More…

Eating with All Five Senses – A Deeper Kind of Nourishment
16 May

When we think about food, most of us immediately jump to taste. Salty, sweet, spicy, or savoury—it’s what we often believe makes or breaks a meal. But in truth, food is far more than just taste. It’s texture, aroma, colour, sound, memory, connection. It’s one of the most beautiful ways we connect with ourselves, our culture, and those we love.

As a naturopath and someone passionate about empowering families to embrace wellness, I’ve come to believe that one of the simplest yet most powerful changes we can make is how we eat. Not just what we eat, but how fully we experience each 

Let me explain what I mean by that.

Touch – The Forgotten Gateway to Presence In many cultures around the world, eating is a hands-on experience. From Ethiopian injera to Indian thalis, meals are often enjoyed without cutlery—and for good reason. Touching our food before it enters our mouth gives our brain a head start. It builds connection and primes the digestive system.

As Westerners, we’ve been trained to view food handling as messy or uncivilised—but I believe there’s wisdom in using our hands. The sensation of a warm piece of bread or the softness of a ripe avocado can awaken a deeper sense of gratitude and presence. It grounds us in the now.

Try this at home: choose one meal this week to eat with your hands (safely and hygienically, of course). Notice how much more aware you are of the textures, the temperature, and your body’s own hunger cues.

Smell – The Soul of a Meal Our sense of smell is deeply connected to memory. The aroma of fresh basil might take you straight back to your grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of sizzling onions may transport you to a special holiday dinner.

Science tells us that up to 80% of what we perceive as “taste” is actually smell. That’s why when we have a cold, everything tastes bland. Smell doesn’t just enhance taste—it unlocks emotion and experience.

When we take time to appreciate the scent of our food before digging in, we allow our parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” system—to activate. This makes a big difference, especially for kids who eat too fast or are prone to tummy troubles.

Pause and inhale before your next bite. Let the aroma prepare your body and calm your mind.

Sight – The Art of Eating We eat with our eyes first. Colour, plating, freshness—all play a huge role in how we perceive a meal. A vibrant salad with deep greens, purples and oranges will likely draw more excitement than a dull, monotone dish.

But what happens when that sense is removed?

Years ago, I had an unforgettable experience in Toronto at a restaurant called O.Noir, where diners eat in complete darkness. The waiters are legally blind, and guests are led into a pitch-black dining room where there is no light. At all.

At first, I was overwhelmed. I couldn't see the table, the food, or even my hands. I had a fleeting moment of panic—but then something magical happened. I began to rely on my other senses. I felt the warmth of the bread, I smelled the herbs in my risotto, and I listened more deeply to the voices of my friends around the table.

Eating without sight made me appreciate my food in a whole new way. It reminded me that while visual presentation is powerful, it’s not everything. The body adapts. The spirit rises. And the experience becomes more intimate. Now anywhere I come across a ‘Dining in the Dark’ restaurant, I always make an effort to go. I have been to more than 4 different restaurants. In Kuala Lumpur Malaysia there is a wonderful Restaurant called ‘Dining in the Dark’ which I have been to over 20 times now - every time I teach in Malaysia I go there with friends. It is so exciting eating a 4 course meal and trying to guess the tastes.

Maybe you could try eating with a blind fold on!

Sound – The Rhythm of Shared Meals Sound may not seem like a key player in eating, but think about the sizzle of a stir-fry, the crunch of a fresh apple, or the pop of a champagne cork. These sounds trigger anticipation and excitement. They make eating feel alive.

Even more than that, sound is essential in social eating. Conversation, laughter, storytelling—these are what turn meals into memories. Some of my most cherished moments with family aren’t about what we were eating, but what was said around the table.

I encourage families to reclaim mealtime as sacred. Turn off the TV. Put away the phones. Let the sound of voices—of presence—be the soundtrack to your meals.

Taste – The Culmination of it All Finally, we arrive at taste. The grand finale. But here’s the thing: when you truly engage all your senses before you even taste, the flavours are amplified. You become more discerning, more in tune with subtle differences. You begin to notice how herbs, spices, and wholefoods really feel in the body—not just how they taste.

This kind of mindful eating supports digestion, emotional wellbeing, and even weight balance. And it’s a beautiful way to teach kids to tune in to their own fullness and food preferences.

Practical Ways to Eat with All Five Senses: Create colourful meals: Think of the rainbow on your plate. Bright colours often indicate a diversity of nutrients.

Use herbs and spices intentionally: Not only for flavour, but for their aromatic and therapeutic qualities.

Try silence or blindfolded eating: Even once a month. It’s a powerful way to connect with your food more deeply.

Talk about the meal: Ask your kids what they smell, feel, or hear while eating. This builds sensory awareness and emotional connection.

Slow down: Chew more. Breathe between bites. Put your fork down between mouthfuls. Presence is powerful.

In Closing… Those of us blessed with sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste have an incredible opportunity—every single day—to experience eating as a rich, joyful, and even healing act.

So tonight, before your next bite, pause. Take a breath. Tune in. Let your senses feast first.

To nourishing meals and mindful moments.



Naturopath | Bowen Therapist | Iridologist

For appointments or consultations, visit: North East Naturopathic Group

To explore my courses, head to: christosmili.org.au
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