Having opened its doors to the public last year, Align Chiropractic has since become one of North Hobart’s leading health clinics. Dr Sharon Pakzamir, owner and registered chiropractor, is focused on helping people become their best selves. Through her practice, Sharon works on improving the overall health and wellbeing of her patients. Here at Veg Bar, we too are focused on assisting people to help reach their optimal health goals. By encouraging proper nourishment of the mind and body, we believe it is possible for anyone to achieve a well-balanced lifestyle.

We sat down with Sharon to learn more about her approach to health and experiences of becoming a chiropractor.

Tell us a bit about Align Chiropractic and what your job entails.

There are so many aspects to what chiropractors treat and how we do it. At Align, I have a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of patients through a holistic approach, considering the physical, emotional and chemical components of health. Improving and preserving correct spinal health through Chiropractic adjustments, exercise and proper nutrition is something I have a very strong interest in. I love assisting patients to reach their optimal health potentials and live well and active lifestyles.

In terms of assessment and treatment, I use a range of techniques including Applied Kinesiology, Diversified, Thompson Drop Piece, Rehabilitation and Soft Tissue Therapy, and gentle chiropractic care that is appropriate for all age groups. I am also in the process of attending a seminar known as Neuro Emotional Technique (NET), which is another tool to used to help find the root of a physical problem.

What made you want to become a chiropractor?

To be honest, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after high school. My mother suggested applying for chiropractic to begin with and if I didn’t really enjoy it, then I could change the year after. Turns out - I LOVED IT! I fell in love with the course and what it had to offer.

Best part of your job?

This might sound cliche... but the best part is definitely being able to help people and aid them in reaching their true health potential.

What does health mean to you?

It means consistently working on all three aspects - the physical, the chemical/physiological and the emotional. In Applied Kinesiology, we call this the TRIAD OF HEALTH (a big part in my logo being a triangle!). All three components must be tended to and worked on in order to reach true health. So for me, this means working on my physical health through exercise, stretching and treatment, my physiological health through diet and nutrition, and working on my mental state as well. This could be through meditation/mindfulness practice, reading a book or going for a walk out in nature.

Best health advice you've ever received that you would pass on to others?

I don’t know about the best advice, as different pieces of information have come for me at different times that were meant for then and maybe not for later. But at the moment? Probably the importance of diet and nutrition to help support living a life with purpose and joy. I find it’s very hard to feel good every day and full of energy when I eat foods that are hard for my body to digest and not supporting its function.

Favourite way to unwind?

Relaxing (usually with food!) either watching a movie or reading a book!

Simple pleasure that you're grateful for?

You know what - this morning I was washing my face and I suddenly realised I am super grateful for our water and having a tap that rotates to give out hot water and cold water. And warm water! We are so blessed.

Favourite Veg Bar treat?

Can a treat be something savoury? Because then I would choose the cauliflower buffalo wings. If sweet, then most probably the house made snickers bar!

Best tip for incorporating more veggies into your diet?

Make a big stirfry and add a variety of different vegetables, then a really tasty sauce to pour on top so the veggies become more exciting! Or make a smoothie with a whole lot of greens - if you add banana, mango or pineapple to it, it really sweetens it up and you can’t taste the greens! I also love making curry and adding different vegetables to it.

All time favourite quote?

I have three!

“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear; The brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all.” - The Princess Diaries (although I believe it is rooted from the quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt)

“Though we may come from different countries and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one.” - Albus Dumbledore

'Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.' - Albus Dumbledore (Yes, I’m a huge Harry Potter fan)

What inspires you most in life?

Knowing that every day presents a new opportunity and there is so much potential to achieve anything you put your mind to. It’s really exciting not knowing what the future has in store, if you just let it unfold.

To celebrate Align Chiropractics first birthday, Dr Sharon will be giving all her patients Veg Bar 20% discount vouchers to use next time they dine with us!

Our new blog segment, ‘Veg Bar Community’, is focused on collaborating with small local businesses that share a similar vision to ours. If you run a local business, or know of anyone else who does, please send through an email expressing your interest as to why you’d like to collaborate with us! We are seeking those who are passionate about what they do, and who are willing to work together to help inspire a future of positive change. As a team, we believe this is a perfect way to start. Let’d do this.

Veg Bar Community - Align Chiropractic