Biohacking has become increasingly focused on data. We track our sleep, glucose, heart rate, recovery and biological age — but in our pursuit of better health, have we forgotten how to listen to ourselves?
In this episode of the Biohackher Podcast, I sit down with Lawrence Ellyard, founder of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), to explore a very different side of health and longevity — one that goes beyond wearables, supplements and technology.
Lawrence has spent decades immersed in complementary therapies, spirituality and wellness, and our conversation explores the role intuition, emotional health, connection and even energy medicine may play in how well we live.
We talk about why chronic stress can creep up on us, the importance of recognising the patterns that may be keeping us stuck, and why taking greater ownership of our lives can be such a powerful catalyst for change. Lawrence also shares his perspective on somatic therapies, hypnotherapy, meditation and psychedelic-assisted practices, and why finding the right practitioner matters just as much as choosing the modality itself.
We also dive into the tension between objective health data and intuition. With so much information now available through wearables and testing, Lawrence argues there is still value in slowing down, tuning into the body and paying attention to those instinctive signals we can so easily override.
We discuss:
Why some of the most powerful wellness practices cost absolutely nothing
How stress and overwhelm gradually accumulate
The connection between emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing
Why Lawrence believes somatic approaches can be valuable for working through trauma
Hypnotherapy, meditation, energy medicine and complementary therapies
How to balance health data with intuition
The importance of purpose, connection and community
Masculine and feminine energy and how it can show up in relationships
How to choose a credible complementary health practitioner
Why in-person wellness experiences are making a comeback
The rise of what Lawrence calls "The New Woo" — complementary practices once considered fringe becoming increasingly mainstream
Lawrence also gives us a glimpse into The New Woo, the documentary he is developing to explore the evolving complementary wellness industry and introduce these modalities to a much broader audience.
This conversation is a reminder that longevity isn't only about what we can measure. Sometimes the missing information isn't on our dashboard — it's in how we feel, how we connect and how closely we're paying attention to ourselves.
ABOUT LAWRENCE ELLYARD
Lawrence Ellyard is the author of nine books; is the CEO of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT) and founder of the International Institute for Reiki Training. With over 25 years of experience in the natural health industry, Lawrence has been instrumental in developing the IICT's operations within Australia and internationally. He was formally the Director of The International Institute for Reiki Training and has several years of training and practice as a Transpersonal Therapist.
Biohackher – Live Well Longer is your practical guide to adding life to your years. Drawing on the latest science in women's health, longevity and biohacking, this book cuts through the hype to reveal what actually works to support your brain, body, beauty and balance as you age. From sleep, hormones and gut health to strength, stress, nutrition and cutting-edge longevity tools, you'll discover evidence-based strategies to help you feel stronger, sharper and more vibrant at every stage of life. Released 27 October, 2026.
