Body Fitness Health

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

[AlternativeAnswers] The Power of Forgiveness

Good Morning!

The Power of Forgiveness

"Forgiveness is the healing of wounds caused by another". It is our
choice to learn to let go of a past wrong and it is our choice to no
longer allow ourselves to be hurt by it. Remove your ego from the
equation. Now look at the situation. Does it appear differently? As
it was so eloquently stated by Henry Ward Beecher, when someone
says "I can forgive, but I cannot forget", it is only another way of
saying, I will not forgive.

Why Should We Forgive?

The need to understand the power and place of forgiveness in our
world is important in the healing process. It is urgent that we
examine the steps that lead to justice and strengthen society. We
need to understand how forgiveness improves the human condition. How
do we choose to forgive? What are the effects of holding grudges and
seeking revenge? We can find a way to balance our need for security
with the potential for granting forgiveness.

Forgiveness offers the possibility of two types of peace: peace of
mind -- the potential healing of old emotional wounds, and peace with
others -- the possibility of new, more gratifying relationships in
the future.

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the
strong." - Mahatma Gandhi

Author Larry James (1.) states "Forgiveness works! It is often difficult, AND it
works! We often think of forgiveness as something that someone who has done us
wrong must ask of US. There is always another way of looking at something. My
thoughts on forgiveness suggest that you focus on offering forgiveness TO the
person who has wronged you. To not forgive them is like taking the poison
(continuing to suffer for what they did or didn't do to you) and expecting THEM
to die!"

Alexander Pope once said, "To err is human; to forgive, Divine."
Believe it!

Mr. James goes on to say "Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself.
It is not something you do FOR someone else. It is not complicated.
It is simple. Simply identify the situation to be forgiven and ask
yourself: "Am I willing to waste my energy further on this matter?"
If the answer is "No," then that's it! All is forgiven".

"The secret of forgiving everything is to understand nothing." -
George Bernard Shaw

Tools For Forgiveness

The need to understand the power and place of forgiveness in our
world is important in the healing process. See humility as
forgiveness. Your own sense of peace and contentment are born out of
forgiveness. How and when you forgive, reflects much of the way you
view yourself and the world around you. Consider these reasons and
tools for forgiving:

1. Our ability to forgiven is in direct proportion to our ability to
receive forgiveness.

2. When we are able to forgive all parts of ourselves, this allows us
to be that much more perfect and whole. This in turn helps us to
forgive others for any past mistakes.

3. Remember: mistakes come from good people who from time to time
made some bad choices.

4. Judgments, resentments and grudges are destructive emotions. When
left unchecked, unresolved or not under control, they can wash away
the foundation of any relationship.

5. A wake-up call is in order! Talk it out. Resolve issues, disputes
and misunderstanding by expressing your feelings in a calm, well
thought out, civil conversation. Preferably in person.

6. When we hurt ourselves we hurt each other. Learn to forgive
yourself by releasing your guilt. Learn to forgive others by letting
go of your ego.

7. Remind yourself that we live in each other's hearts and when we
look at ourselves we see each other. When we love each other we love
ourselves more.

8. Learn to understand the relief you gain from forgiveness.

9. Step up to the plate and speak your peace.

10. Forgiving is the ultimate in acceptance of yourself and others.
It revels a path to our true selves.

"Always forgive your enemies--nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar
Wilde

The Forgiveness Workbook

This Forgiveness Worksheet or Life Workbook, is a "work-in-progress" that I have
devised for my patients who are seeking a way to understand and come to terms
with, the process of forgiving. This is a great way to bring the power of your
thoughts, good energy and a generous way to express your true feelings on paper.
This journal can be used for writing down situations and how you have
experienced them. These journals are good places to record your positive
outlook, your goals for achieving a path to your truths and your daily
affirmation. It can allow you to look at that information later for
understanding inspiration and guidance.

Tips for Understanding Forgiveness

1. Upon waking, write down the name of the person you are forgiving.
Write down what it is you are forgiving them for.

2. It is a good idea to write words such as I am, I can, I will.

3. Write down your perception of the misunderstanding.

4. Jot down significant words/phrases, that signify your mindfulness,
today. "My partner", "my great career", "my respect for myself and
others".

5. List what negative feelings you are still holding on to. Explain
in your journal.

6. Now learn about the power of letting go of these feelings. Write
down each day, something new that you find forgivenss in doing,
seeing, saying, hearing...

7. Understand, it is now time to let go, which you will do
by____________________. (write it down). Look at it periodically.
What has positive impact on your thoughts?

8. Do you see failure as a stumbling block or a stepping stone to
forgiveness? Find three things in forgiving that make it a stepping
stone to the next level! List them now.

9. Be sure and write the time and day on the top of the page.

10. Make this journal your own! Buy or make a book that you are eager
to go to each day. Use stickers, color, doodles that all express your
journey to forgiving yourself and others.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.http://www.peacefulmind.com/forgiveness.htmTherapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

References
(1.) Copyright © 2005 - Larry James. This reference note is reprinted with
permission. - This article is adapted from Larry's books, "How to Really Love
the One You're With: Affirmative Guidelines for a Healthy Love Relationship,"
"LoveNotes for Lovers: Words That Make Music for Two Hearts Dancing" and "Red
Hot LoveNotes for Lovers." Author Larry James presents seminars nationally for
singles and couples. Subscribe to Larry's FREE monthly "LoveNotes for Lovers"
eZINE.

Contact: CelebrateLove.com,
P.O. Box 12695,
Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695.
LarryJames@CelebrateLove.com
www.CelebrateLove.com

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[AlternativeAnswers] Essential Oils for Christmas

Good Morning!

Essential Oils for Christmas

If the aroma of pine is what brings back memories like going out and cutting
your own tree, we have a top list of memory-joggers that you are going to love!
With nature's essential oils, the aroma of Christmas need not be forgotten.
Simply spray the tree with a mixture of 1 cup of water and 6 drops of essential
oil of pine, or put a few drops of pine oil on an absorbent material and tuck
around the base of the tree. Here are several essential oils that you may use to
help re-create your Christmas memories.

Cinnamon (Cinnamoma cassia): Cinnamon comes from the dried bark of trees in the
laurel family. Cinnamon has a rich history in Chinese medicine as well as
Western herbal medicine. A holiday favorite, this dark scent is often used to
accent cookies, cakes and cocoa. Cinnamon tea is not only delightful but helpful
for relieving nausea and indigestion. Cinnamon oil is great for colds. Add a few
drops of cinnamon oil to boiling water and inhale the steam. Cinnamon oil is
also used as a massage oil and has a warming effect on skin.

Clove (Caryophyllum aromaticus): Clove is a hot oil. A holiday favorite, this
delicious scent is often used in warming recipes. It can be used in a carrier
oil for any infection. It has been used in the dental industry for years to
deaden pain. Clove oil can be applied topically with a carrier. It has been used
for arousing and fortifying. According to a study at the University of Iowa,
compounds in clove oil have shown "strong activity" against bacteria associated
with plaque and gum disease.

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) : Pine Needle was used by the ancient Romans and Greeks
to treat respiratory problems and muscular aches. A holiday staple, this
fantastic scent is often used to accent potpourri and diffused into the air. It
promotes a healthy immune and musculoskeletal system. Distilled in Austria from
the finest pines, Pine Needle can be diffused to help strengthen the respiratory
tract and maintain sinus passages. When massaged into the skin, Pine Needle
supports healthy circulation and soothes the discomfort of sore joints and
muscles. A true disinfectant, a strong germ killer, excellent for viral
infections and for muscular aches, rheumatism and arthritis.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), (Juniperus virginiana) : A holiday favorite, this
fragrant scent is often used in accenting closets and cupboards. Cedar is a
versatile oil that acts as an astringent and a cleansing agent. Believed to have
originated from the famous Lebanon cedars, this essential oil provides an
exhilarating tonic for the scalp and face to help the body deal with dandruff
and acne. It can also be massaged into the skin for soothing, relaxing muscle
rubs. Cedars are thought to offer longevity, and the oil it yields was used for
embalming in ancient Egypt, and as an incense by Tibetan monks to aid in
meditation.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) : A holiday favorite, this rich citrus scent is often
used in the scenting of perfumes. Neroli oil has a sweet, floral and slightly
haunting aroma, the color is pale yellow and the viscosity is watery. This
essential oil is also known as 'orange blossom' and it takes about 1000 lbs. of
orange blossoms to make 1 lb. of Neroli oil.The name Neroli is said to originate
from the Italian princess, Anne-Marie de la Tremoille, Countess of Nerola, who
used the oil as a perfume and to scent her bathwater and gloves.The orange
petals were used in China in the making of cosmetics and are still an ingredient
for making traditional smelling Eau-de-cologne. Orange petals are often
associated with marriage, purity and brides who traditionally wore it in their
hair.

Sweet Orange (Citrus vulgaris) : The orange in itself is a highlight nutrias
fruit containing many vitamins including A, B, and C. Being that essential oils
are extracted directly from the peel of the orange, it contains all of these
natural nutrients as well. This yellow-orange oil is quite sweet in fragrance
and is used in â€œfruityâ€ fragrance blends. Orange may also be used by itself
for a light personal scent. Orange has been used as a beauty oil especially for
the neck to help prevent and reduce the appearance of lines. Being that it is a
citrus essential oil, it may cause irritation in people with sensitive skin.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) : Frankincense rejuvenates skin, so it's used
on mature and aging complexions and to fade old scars, reduce inflammation,
moisturize dry hair, and cure acne. A holiday favorite, this pungent scent is
often associated with Christmas and is said to be one of the gifts of the Magi.
Its antiseptic properties fight bacterial and fungal skin infections in a salve,
lotion, or as a compress. It also treats infection of the lungs, the
reproductive organs, and the urinary tract, and it increases the menstrual flow.
the oil works in two ways to help the body fight infection and pain. It first
numbs nerve endings to reduce the amount of pain sensations that reach the
brain. And then it boosts the body's immune system to accelerate the healing
process. As an added bonus, the oil's aroma relaxes the brain, which helps bring
on sleep.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) : Myrrh has been used since Biblical times to treat
many ailments. A holiday favorite, this pungent scent is often associated with
Christmas and is said to be one of the gifts of the Magi. It is a sap that dries
into hard crystals. The sap is used by some for making tinctures. Myrrh is both
antiseptic and astringent. It is used today as a mouth wash and used for
treatment of mouth ulcers, sore throats and even for the relief of sore gums. To
use it as a mouthwash, drop a few drops of the sap into a glass of water.

Peppermint (Mentha piperata) : Peppermint recalls the images of candy canes and
sweet treats made from this wonderful oil. Peppermint has the powerful
therapeutic ingredient menthol, as well as menthone, menthyl acetate and some 40
other compounds. Peppermint is a naturally occurring hybrid of spearmint (M.
spicata) and water mint (M. aquatica). The oil is made by steam-distilling the
plant's aromatic leaves and stems. Peppermint oil acts as a muscle relaxant,
particularly in the digestive tract, reduces the inflammation of nasal passages
and relieve muscle pains. A mixture of peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and
ethanol (ethyl alcohol) on the forehead and temples can reduce headache pain.
Peppermint can be take as a tea, capsules or tinctures.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/aromatherapy.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit

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[AlternativeAnswers] Coping with Diabetes During The Holidays

Good Morning!

Coping with Diabetes During The Holidays

Managing your diabetes can be especially more challenging during the holidays
with all the temptations and sweets that keep bombarding our senses in the weeks
following the holidays.

Body awareness is very important in managing diabetes. See your doctor
regularly. Signs and symptoms can arise that may seem completely unrelated, when
in fact they could be. Do not allow your pride or ego to get in the way of your
physical health.

1. Proper eye care should be maintained. If any changes in vision, sudden loss,
dizziness, blurring or pain in or around the eyes occur, see your doctor right
away. Retinopathy, eye infections and blindness are more common in diabetics.
Eye Exam: Dilated eye exam - yearly.

2. Thyroid problems are more common with diabetes. Tell you doctor if swelling
or pain around the neck or throat occur.

3. Lung infections, pneumonia and influenza are more common in diabetics. If you
are a smoker, quit now!

4. Heart disease is a major cause of death in diabetics. Tell your doctor if you
are experiencing weakness, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness,
palpitations, or other sensations in the chest. Blood pressure: each regular
diabetes visit.

5. Bladder infections and other bladder issues can be due to complications from
diabetes. Urine Test: Microalbumin measurement - yearly (based on the HEDIS
Diabetes Criteria).

6. Kidney failure is the lead cause of death among diabetics. Nephropathy is
caused by blood vessel damage, which disrupts the kidney's filtering system. Ask
your doctor what you can do to reduce the risk.

7. Foot care is most important. Exam you feet daily. Notify your doctor if you
have ANY signs of tingling, sticking, sharp, stabbing or dull pain. Also if you
have unexplained pain, spots or loss of normal sensation. Neuropathy or nerve
damage is a particular trait of diabetes. Problems can often occur at the big
toe. Foot ulcers, if left untreated, can infect the bone and lead to amputation.
Foot Exam: Check feet at each regular diabetes visit Comprehensive foot exam -
at least yearly (more often in patients with high risk foot conditions).

8. Loss of sexual function. High blood pressure, heart disease and issues of
circulation can effect nerves. Damage can occur, which can inhibit orgasm.
Infection, vaginal dryness in women or erectile dysfunction in men can all be
complications from diabetes.

9. Peripheral nerve damage can occur anywhere, but particularly at the joints
and extremities.

10. Take your readings as much as possible! Keep a watch on hemoglobin A1c and
blood fats to see if eating more sweets leads these number on an unhealthy up
swing. There are three distinctly different times of day to consider testing
blood sugars. First thing in the morning, before meals, and after meal blood
sugar numbers can each reveal a wealth of information to help solve the mystery
of blood sugar numbers. Blood Test: A1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) At least 2
times a year if stable Quarterly, if treatment changes or you are not meeting
your goals.

11.Keep your blood fats in target range such as total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and
triglycerides.

12. Pay attention to good hygiene and skin care. Eat a proper balance of
nutritionally low GI foods. Weight: Each regular diabetes visit.

Most people who have diabetes know they should be testing their blood sugar on a
regular basis. However, many of them do not realize what the numbers mean and
simply go through the motions of testing. Without realizing when to test and how
important these numbers actually are.

First thing in the morning is known as a FASTING blood sugar. It should be taken
soon after rising; before food, drink, exercise, or medications of any kind.

Normal is less than 100. Goal is 70 - 115

A before meal blood sugar is known as PREPRANDIAL. This means before lunch or
before supper. At this point in your day, you've usually had something to eat
and drink, you've usually had some activity or exercise, and you've probably
taken some type of medications. All these things can effect your blood sugar
numbers. This is different than a FASTING blood sugar test taken before
breakfast, medications, or exercise.

Normal is less than 100. Goal is 100 - 120

An after meal blood sugar is known as POSTPRANDIAL and means after a meal.
Timing is important on this reading because it should be taken 1 ½ hours to 2
hours after a meal.

Normal less than 140. Goal less than 160

Nutritional Advise

Experiment actively with diet, with the frequency and size of meals, and with
all aspects of lifestyle to lower the amount of insulin required. This means
taking on a lot of responsibility for your own health. A task you can absolutely
achieve.

Full Spectrum Diet Suggestions: Avoid the White color group
-Use breakfast cereals based on oats, barley and bran
-Use breads with whole grains, stone-ground flour, sour dough
-Reduce the amount of potatoes you eat
-Enjoy all other types of fruit and vegetables
-Use Basmati, Doongara or Japanese koshihikari rice
-Enjoy whole grain pasta, whole grain noodles, quinoa
-Eat plenty of salad vegetables with a vinaigrette dressing
-Incorporate good fats like nuts and olive oil
-It is ok to use low-fat dairy foods, in the morning
- Note: these red-orange foods (Watermelon, Carrots, Cantaloupe) are in the
med-high GI range.

Incorporate these wonderful herbs to enhance the flavor of all your foods:
billberry, basil, chives, cinnamon, dill, fenugreek, garlic, ginseng (Panax,
Korean, American) oregano, parsley, rosemary, stevia, thyme.

Blood sugar regulators include: alanine, banaba, beta-glucan, bitter melon,
chromium piccolate, guggul, gymnema, rehmannia.

Water is essential in any healing process. Distilled water is the best. 6-8
eight ounces glasses per day. Try not to drink liquids that contain caffeine or
alcohol.

A diet combined with both insoluble fiber (fiber that doesn't dissolve in water)
will keep most people regular. You get fiber from eating lots of vegetables,
wheat bran, whole-grain breads and cereals and fruit.

An apple can regulate blood sugar levels. Apples contain naturally-occurring
chemical compounds known as phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of
which have been proven to have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges,
the activity of free radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals can be
a factor in certain cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions. The
major antioxidant components in apples are polyphenols contained mainly in the
skin known as quercetin glycoside, phloretin glycoside, chlorogenic acid, and
epicatechin.

Extend your nutrient throughout the day with three main meals and three snacks.
Small portions or servings as opposed to one or two "gorged meals" not only
reduces blood glucose and insulin concentrations, but also guards against the
development of hyperglycemia. Consumption of fiber rich foods—barley, carrots,
oats, legumes, beans, onions, peas, and lentils—have been associated with
improved blood glucose control, and are better for long term use than soluble
fiber supplements such as guar, pectin, and locust bean gum.

Research has discovered a whole range of plants with hypoglycemic action. Among
them are artichoke, banana, barley, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, nettles, oats,
peas, spinach, sweet potato, and turnip.

What You Should Avoid:

Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks
like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or
already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much white flour and refined sugar.

What you don't eat may be even more important than what you do eat. Avoid
alcohol, caffeine and sugar, because they tend to worsen index levels. If you
can't avoid them, then at least cut down.

Reduce Processed and Refined Foods:

Avoid fried foods, white pasta, white rice, full fat dairy, white potatoes,
white bread (baguettes, bagels, pita).

Processed food can rob your food of nutrients and vitamins that your body needs
to fight off stress and promote good health. Try to buy whole foods, unprocessed
foods and try and stay away from "instant" foods, preservatives, artificial
flavors, saturated fats, refined foods, hydrogenated food and MSG.

Reduce Sugar Intake:

Too much sugar can rob our body of essential nutrients. Simple carbohydrates
from baked goods, pastries, most crackers and cookies must be limited to a very
small portion or completely removed from the diet.

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac
http://www.peacefulmind.com/diabetes.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit