Rituals We Share — Lauren Bainbridge

Rituals We Share is a journal series that steps closer to the people who use our products every day. These are real stories from real lives — shaped by family, work, age, seasons, and everything in between.

At its heart, this series is about ritual in its truest form: the small, consistent acts of care that anchor us. Not perfection or routine for routine’s sake. But meaningful moments of pause that help us feel more like ourselves.

This story brings us to Lauren — founder of Holistic Health & Chiropractic, a mother of three, and a woman guided by a deep trust in the body’s ability to heal when it is supported, nourished, and given space.

Living by the coastline in Pegasus, Canterbury, Lauren’s days are shaped by movement, nature, and the rhythms of family life. Her approach to wellbeing is both intuitive and grounded — rooted in years of working with the body, and a belief that small, consistent acts of care can shift how we feel in lasting ways.

Lauren’s ritual is not about doing more, but about staying connected — to her body, her breath, and the natural world around her. Whether it’s early morning movement, time in the ocean, or supporting other women through pregnancy and postpartum, her care begins with the nervous system.

We’re honoured to share her story.

Q1. What does a typical day look like for you at this stage of your life?

I try to get up early each day regardless of how the night has been and do some exercise, I feel my best moving my body and its the time of the day when I have the most energy. After that I have the girls with me and the days vary between their hobbies, adventures, homeschool meet ups and treating some patients at home.

Q2. What does self-care mean to you, and how do you include it in your daily life?

I believe that when we take the time no matter how long the time is, it is creating habits that support our overall wellbeing.

What may be small moments depending on our lifestyle and season of life, will still have a cumulative effect. 

As I mentioned above, putting my energy into me in the early morning ticks a few boxes at once, outside in nature to exercise up with the sun for my circadian rhythm, weights and lymphatic care and time to reset my nervous system before a day of supporting my kids or clients. 

Q3. I know your time by or in the ocean each day has become a ritual for you — why do you feel this is important?

I didn't realise how much I loved the ocean until I lived right next to the beach. It gives me energy, it feels healing and revitalising, it feels like a reset and it feels so good to just be in nature and switch off even if it's just for 5 minutes. 

Q4. I know you love to use our oil moisturiser with your clients — what is it about the product that you like?

I love that it is a natural anti-inflammatory, it is light and has a beautiful natural scent. Safe for pregnancy and postpartum. Covers everything I need in my treatments.

Q5. How does tahi fit into your daily life outside of your practice?

I love the minimal simple routine that Tahi provides, my girls love using it too in the bath or straight on their skin. I really feel the simplicity supports our needs.

Q6. During my pregnancy and post-natal periods, I found it really beneficial to come and see you and loved the care packages and guides you offer. Why do you think it’s important for mothers to practice self-care and look after their nervous systems during this time?

It is such a massive transformation through pregnancy and postpartum, hormones change drastically and at the same time we are navigating sleep deprivation, looking after a newborn and trying to heal! Our nervous system can get stuck in overdrive, high cortisol levels which increase inflammation but when we feel safe and looked after (while we are caring for our baby) we will heal.  Self care will be different for each Mum depending on their capacity and it is so important to feel heard, your nervous system ultimately wants to know everything is ok. You are supported and are doing your best and that's enough. Providing the specific support the Mum needs for her experience straight away post birth will set her up for a positive healing postpartum.  Chiropractic care directly influences your nervous system so it is highly beneficial in this time of life.

Q7. How does supporting the lymphatic system contribute to overall wellbeing?

Your lymphatic system is responsible for clearing toxins, bacteria, damaged cells and circulates fluid transporting nutrients. It relies on muscular contraction and breathing to function well. 

Creating time to be intentional with our breath to support our lymphatic system also supports our nervous system, everything can work together and the different systems support each other. 

From a metaphysical perspective if your lymphatic system is sluggish and not functioning at its best, it is associated with emotions of feeling vulnerable, scared, unsupported, unloved and rejected.

Working on any of these emotions if aligned as well as the physical treatments will get your lymphatic system flowing freely again!