By Sandi Manhão | Natural Living Consultant & Pilates Instructor
Hello, Macau. I am honoured to debut as your new columnist and it is a true privilege to join you here. As we move into May—a month dedicated to the women who breathe life and warmth into our homes—I find myself reflecting on why we do what we do for our families.
For me, this month carries a heavy weight of gratitude; it marks exactly 12 years since a mother’s intuition changed my life’s trajectory.
Some people know me as a natural living consultant, others as a Pilates instructor. But before the titles, I was simply a frustrated mother sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, clutching my young son. He was suffering from persistent skin rashes that broke my heart. Like any parent, I followed the “rules.” I bought the expensive “gentle” lotions and applied the prescribed creams. We were stuck in a cycle of “Band-Aid” solutions: the symptoms would fade for a few days, only to return with a vengeance.
One night, looking at his irritated skin, I stopped searching for a cure and started looking for the cause. I began reading labels—really reading them. I was horrified to discover that the “safe” products in my cabinets were cocktail blends of synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals. I learned that these hidden toxins don’t just irritate the skin —they’ve been linked to everything from respiratory issues to hormonal chaos.
Small Changes, Big Impact
That discovery started a natural journey that changed my life and my family’s life for the better. I realised that wellness shouldn’t be a luxury. It doesn’t have to be costly, and it certainly shouldn’t be complicated. By simply removing the “hidden” toxins in our home, my son’s skin cleared, our stress levels lowered, and our vitality returned.
If I could transform my home through these simple shifts, so can you. My goal for this column is to inspire the families to look beyond the “Band-Aid” and regain control of their health and well-being. To learn more about it, keep following this “Natural Living” column and reach out to me through my social media account below.
Let’s Keep Talking
What is your biggest hurdle to staying healthy in our busy city? I’d love to hear from you. For more tips, follow me on Instagram @Sandi_Manhao. See you there!
Columnist’s Disclaimer
The information shared here is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Any opinions or recommendations shared are based on personal experience and general product education. Please consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Photos: Humberto Chávez (above), Ana Tablas (featured photo, top)
Publication Disclaimer: Our “Natural Living” section is a special column containing articles wholly written by the author with minimum editing for publication purpose only and without additional content by Good News Macau, which only provides a free space for this column. Both the author and the publication have agreed to enter into a non-payment collaborative agreement to give this special section to Good News Macau’s readers, with one article published every month during an agreed period of time. The author’s views or opinions in this article do not represent the publication’s views or opinions.
The Author | Natural Living columnist Sandi Manhão believes that true vitality is found when we stop fighting against nature and start living as part of it. A Macau native with over a decade of professional experience, Sandi is a Pilates instructor and aromatherapist who views her 50s as her most vibrant decade yet. She specialises in helping people make the transition to natural living through small, sustainable shifts that yield significant results. By sharing her insights, Sandi seeks to empower every reader to take charge of their health, fostering a sense of balance and harmony that allows the body to thrive.
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