During the first day or two at Highwood each guest has the opportunity of a personal half-hour consultation with our naturally-orientated Australian resident medical doctor. In consultation with you he will plan an individualised treatment and lifestyle schedule to make the most out of your stay.

ECG testing and spirometry are done on all guests (except in exceptional circumstances) to check your heart and lung health.

The steam sauna and contrast hydrotherapy is run five or six times per week and is a standard part of the programme for all guests who are medically fit enough for it.

A light juice fast is part of the programme every week for all guests who wish to participate. 

Each guest gets three specific therapist treatments per week. Extra treatments above the standard three are available, time permitting, at prices advertised at our office.

Specific therapist treatments used at Highwood include:

Massage.
Clay wraps.
Far infrared sauna.
Fever bath.
Wet sheet wrap.
Counselling.
Exercises.
Contrast therapy.
Lymphatic drainage.
Poulticing.
Essential oil therapy.

A variety of herbal teas are available to drink whenever guests wish to. Dr. Bird will advise you if there are any teas especially recommended for your health. No caffeinated beverages are used at Highwood.

Consultations with Dr. David Bird occur at the beginning and end of your stay and are arranged as required in between. You can request to see him whenever you wish and will normally be seen the same day. He is constantly available in case of emergency. 

Consultations with Dr. Bird and blood tests are bulk-billed to Medicare whenever possible. Tests can be arranged to check for changes in cholesterol levels, liver function and other parameters during your stay. 

Dr. Bird (left) with children and below
in a more formal setting

Dr. Bird's medical qualifications: 

MBChB, Auckland, New Zealand (equivalent of MBBS or MD).
Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Fellow, Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.
Diploma in Nutritional Medicine (International Academy of Nutrition).
Fellow Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Registered with the Victorian Medical Board of Australia.

Areas of special interest include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia (FMS), "burnout", hypothyroid disorders, and glyconutrients.

Dr. Bird offers out-patient appointments (bulk-billed) at Highwood Health for those contemplating joining one of our live-in programmes and also for sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome and related disorders.

Dr Bird has run a CFS/FMS clinic for about 8 years.

For more information, please see Dr. Bird's personal web-site at:

www.burnoutsolutions.com.au

 Some people need rest and good sleep:

Some need sauna therapy:

Some need an exercise programme...

or maybe its massage...

or forest walking...

or maybe hydrotherapy...

Some need a specific herbal remedy: