*

Featured Post

Nutrition and Hormonal Balance

  Good Morning,  Nutrition and Hormonal Balance As an acupuncturist in the area of fertility, I realize tha...

Subscribe Updates via email

Subscribe Updates via email

Enter your email address:

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Remedies for Heat Exhaustion

 


Good Morning!

Remedies for Heat Exhaustion

The summer heat can sneak up on you and not only zap your energy, while you are outdoors, but it can cause dehydration, sunburn and actual exhaustion! Children under four, people over 65, and those who are obese, already ill, or taking medications can especially be affected very easily. prolonged exposure to heat and insufficient body fluid can result in heat exhaustion. Its symptoms can include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness headache and nausea or vomiting. Here are the best remedies for heat exhaustion:

1. Carry water with you and sip it throughout the day. Dehydration can set in and we don't even realize it until we begin to feel thirsty!

2. Pace yourself when working outdoors, exercising or just having fun. Those who participate in regular exercise over time, allowing their bodies to adjust to hot conditions, may better tolerate exercise on hot days.

3. Replace salts and minerals with electolytes such as Gatoraide or other power drinks that have potassium. Avoid drinks with large amounts of sugar. Dehydration can stress the heart and impair the kidneys' ability to maintain the correct level of fluids and balance of electrolyte. Electrolytes are charged elements�like potassium, sodium, phosporous and chloride�essential for the normal function of every cell in the body.

4. Wear lightweight clothing the lighter the colored clothing (white,being ideal) the more sunlight is reflected away from you. Darker colors absorb the light and heat.

5. Seek air conditioning, cool breezes under the shade and/or take cool showers in order to bring down your body temperature.

6. Sunburn can happen very easily if you are not careful. Dilute one part Tea Tree Oil with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas. This is soothing and pain-relieving and to reduce blistering and peeling. People have also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.

7. Use common sense Schedule your outdoor activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and use a buddy system if necessary to keep watch on those at high risk.

8. If you feel dizzy and/or stop sweating, quit all activity and get out of the sun fast. Drink cool, not cold water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in it. The vinegar helps to replace electrolytes and minerals like sports drinks do.

9. In ancient Egypt, China and the Far East, watermelon juice and its seeds were traditionally offered to thirsty travelers, and they are still important today in times of drought or water pollution. This flavorful fruit is one of the best remedies for dehydration and summer heat symptoms, which include thirst without desire to drink, band-like headache, nausea, low appetite, heavy, weighted body sensation, low motivation, sluggish digestion, increased body temperature, sticky sweat, surging pulse, and red tongue with thick white or yellow coating. Watermelon cools and cleanses the system, clearing summerheat and acts as a natural diuretic.

10. Take a cool bath. Run a cool bath and relax in the water for 15-20 minutes. Try to submerge as much of your body as possible. 


__

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Taking Away The Taboo: The Empowerment of Everyday Rituals

 

Good 

Taking Away The Taboo: The Empowerment of Everyday Rituals 

A ritual is a set of actions, performed for their symbolic value or to reach an outcome. Brushing your teeth or eating breakfast is a ritual. We do them everyday. Some rituals are done monthly, like paying our bills or paying the rent. We do seasonal rituals like planting the garden, harvesting the fields or once a year rituals like celebrating a birthday or a holiday.

Rituals give us the opportunity to start anew, refresh and reboot our lives, our intentions or goals.  Rituals can be done with simple words (like a prayer or affirmation) other rituals use tools such as incense, water, candles or oils.

Since the start of the New Year, I have participated in several rituals that many people experience... the countdown to New Years, the cleaning and sweeping of our home after the holidays and the family ritual of lighting a candle on New Year's day. 

In year's past, I have always had the privilege of working with and studying from Ecuadorian Shamans in the upcountry outside of Quito.  This year I had the great honor of working with a spiritualist/psychic, Sylvia Mendez, who privileged me with a sacred "spiritual" cleansing, called "Levantamento" (to wake or rise up).  It is basically done with prayers, candles, meditation and a cleansing bath with a special castille soap and a dowsing of a prepared herbal bath used for clearing and refreshing the mind/body/spirit.  

There is not necessarily any religious or denominational beliefs one needs to do a cleansing.  I do feel that a belief in a higher or Universal power is important. To realize that we are not always in control of our lives, is a humbling and moving experience.  I think your own belief system can make your rituals that much more powerful! 

The components of a ritual can be anything. For instance the ritual of brushing your teeth, need only be the toothbrush, toothpaste and some water.  The process of that ritual, most everyone knows. You set your intention: "I'm going to brush my teeth in order to have a clean mouth and avoid cavities". Maybe you wet the brush and add the paste. Brush up and down and all around. Maybe you brush your tongue. Rinse and finish. You may repeat this twice or three times a day.  It is the same sequence of events for any ritual.  

You gather your tools, prepare your intention, act upon the intention and then you finish, allowing for your actions to take affect. Here are some examples of healing rituals you can do:

A ritual meditation or affirmation are several words or images that you can use to create a base for your ritual. A meditation or affirmation can be done once or several times a day. It implies a connection between your inner life and your mind's eye.  Your inner life or spiritual center becomes in tune with your mind's eye or focus and intention. 

A wonderful and powerful tool for creating self-love and confidence is to stand, facing yourself in the mirror. Repeat a positive affirmation "I will be filled with pride and confidence today".  "I will remain at peace and calm all day". "I look handsome and confident".  Whatever your words, the power of repeating your affirmations to yourself in the mirror (and throughout the day) is a ritual of self-empowerment. 

A great meditation you can do at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day, can simply be sitting (grounded) on the floor and closing your eyes. Taking some very deep breaths in, so that each breath reaches all the way down to your pelvic bone and then exhale s-l-o-w-l-y each time. Choose and image, person or scenario that empowers you. Always go back to it when you find your mind drifting. Take your focus to the back of your eyelids. Let whatever comes into your mind pass through, then let it go.  When you are ready move your focus to between your eyebrow, to your Third Eye. Sense it opening and filling your mind with your chosen image. All it to expand outside your head and fill the room. Your image is now, all around you. When you are ready, slowly bring the image back and contain it with your Third Eye again. Move your focus back to behind your eyelids. Then, when you are ready, slowly open your eyes.


A ritual bath or "magical" ceremony involving the use of water to immerse or anoint a subject's body and/or feet, prepares one to be more aware, conscious and open for new opportunities. It can be used to cleanse the mind, the body, as well as embrace the spirit. Ritual baths can clear negative energies and prepare yourself for accomplishments. First, clean your bath tub. Run the warm/hot water. As you do this, add a cup of sea salt, perhaps a tablespoon of lavender, clary sage or rose essential oils and as a final touch, a handful of flower petals. Swirl these ingredients around in the bath water and emerge yourself for a good 15-20 minutes.  You can add some nice stress reducers, such as incense, low lighting or candles and soothing music.  Make this ritual "your time", as you deserve it!


A ritual tea or tea ceremony has been done for centuries to honor ancestors, embrace the change of seasons or as a "time out" from the day.  I always like using fresh or dried herbs sans the tea bag. A one or two teaspoons of herbs per serving. Use clear spring water. Colder and fresher makes a tastier, livelier infusion. Warm the steeping pot.
Pour the measured, fresh water into the saucepan and place over medium heat. Heat the water until it just comes to a rolling boil. Add the tea leaves to the warmed steeping pot (one teaspoon per cup, plus one "for the pot"). Immediately pour the boiled water over the loose leaves; cover the pot. Steep three to five minutes for most teas. Longer, to taste. Also be sure and steep the herbs longer for the teas made from sticks, twigs, roots or berries, as well as, herbal infusions. 


These are just a few rituals we do or can do in our lives in order to bring about, peace, confidence and empowerment!.




Friday, April 11, 2014

Finding Inspiration Series: Exercise

 


Good Morning!

Finding Inspiration Series: Exercise

My 'Finding Inspiration' series was written out of a need that comes up in my
practice, most often in Spring and Fall. I feel we all need a bit of
encouragement and enlightenment now and then to help us move forward. Finding
motivation through inspiration can be the spark which sets you on your way!

Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do especially under stress:
fight or flight, and it works. It burns off some of the stress chemicals which
tension produces. Therefore, a tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular
exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even something
as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension
that you carrying around.

Stretching is a great tension reducer. Stretch your chest for better breathing.
The tense musculature of a person under stress can make breathing difficult and
impaired breathing can aggravate the anxiety you already feel. To relax your
breathing, roll your shoulders up and back, then relax. The first time, inhale
deeply as they go back, exhale as they relax. Repeat four or five more times,
then inhale deeply again. Repeat the entire sequence four times.

People under pressure have a tendency to clench their teeth. Dropping the jaw
and rolling it helps make those muscles relax, and if you relax the muscles, you
reduce the sensation of tension.

Resistance is essential for making a muscle stronger. When a muscle has to work
against a load placed on it, it adapts to the stress by creating new muscle
fibers and making neurological changes that ultimately make it stronger. Muscles
respond to virtually anything that offers resistance.

You need only to remember a few do-anywhere exercises:

*sit-ups for abdominal muscles

*push-ups for the arms, chest, and shoulders

*dips for the back of the arms

*squats for the muscles in the rear and front of the thighs

*calf raises for the lower portion of the leg.


You also might work some simple equipment into your regime. Both rubber bands
and rubber tubing can add resistance, as can simple household items. To increase
the resistance when you're doing squats, for example, you can do something as
simple as hold soup cans or milk jugs filled with water.

Yoga and Pilates are also great and can be done at home. Many of the poses in
yoga require using one's own body weight to load the muscles. Take the "warrior"
pose, for example. It's essentially a lunge, one that works the muscle in the
front of the thigh. Pilates is a series of exercises that involve slow, precise
moves -- either using your body weight or specially designed machines -- to work
your muscles. You might work your abdominal and leg muscles, for example, by
pushing against a bar on springs or by raising your legs when they're attached
(by straps) to a pulley.

Exercise gives you energy. Study after study supports those words, including one
by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. More than 200 federal
employees were placed on a moderate, regular exercise program. The results: 90
percent said they had never felt better. Almost half said they felt less stress,
and almost one-third reported they slept better.

Energetic exercise, aerobics, a brisk walk three to five times a week, for 20 to
30 minutes each time and no later than 2 hours before bedtime are extremely
beneficial. If you're obese, if you need to drop 20 percent of your weight or
more, losing weight will be a great help. Make sure you follow a sensible diet
in combination with exercise.

Remember the key to doing exercise is to SCHEDULE it into your day.

_

Friday, February 28, 2014

Re:] Hello Diane, thank you for the informative email about teeth & gums. Will you

 

Diane, hi!
How kind of you to share all this useful information with me - thank you! I will incorporate what I can.
I went through extreme stress & all that goes with it for about 2 years & have been getting it turned around for a while. Things are going ever so much better! I teach Law of Attraction & that has helped me so much. If I can help you, please let me know, & ask anything you'd like. It's the most direct path to a happy life I have found; however, what you suggest certainly supports the process!
I have learned it's all about progression rather than perfection. Some non supporting beliefs can be tricky to change! So with progression I add persistence! :) It's serving me well.
Hugs to you,
Cindy

On 2/25/2014 11:49 AM, Boonight@aol.com wrote:
��


Hi Cindy,
��
I had adrenal fatigue from stress. With the Adrenal imbalance you can feel tired or wired all day and night. I was wired at night because my cortisol levels were high Cortisol should be high during the day for energy and low during the night for sleep.��I tried many sleep��remedies for insomnia, the one that worked for me was�� 500mg. of Now Foods��Gaba, 500mg of Now Foods Taurine, and 250 mg. Panatothenic acic B5,�� Chelated Magnesium at night (most people��under stress are depleted in Magnesium).�� Experiment and see what works for you.
��
Now for my low Immune System and Stress: ��I took Mega Vitamin C, multivitamin with a liquid B12, Vitamin D, Omega 3 fish oil,��a high quality Magnesium (best Magnesium is Glycinate or Malate or Magnesium Chloride spray.��If the fatique is severe some��people need to take a B12 injection. I also took Ayurvedic herbs, Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil,��Astralagus and Ashwagandha.�� Rhodiola was very helpful for my cortisol imbalance. There is a Adrenal diet I will send. Eat smallhealthy meals throughout the day. Always eat breakfast before 10 am.
��
I only have one cup of organic coffee in the morning. Then drink lots of��bottled water,��Yogi Ginseng Vitality Tea during the day, Yogi Soothing Caramel Bedtime tea, Organic Green Tea, Organic Vegetable juice, Coconut Milk and org. Virgin Coconut oil.��Miso Soup is good for the��immune system and I stay on low glycemic foods.����I am�� now taking Flaxseed oil lignans.
��
For Stress��I listen to soothing music, Indian flutes, American Indian Drumming, crystal bowls and the Solfeggio frequencies.�� I download the 9��Solfeggio frequency sounds on acd from a web site. I find it hard to silence my mind to meditate, so I figure the music is a form of meditation. You can also daydream and visualize a calming scene.
��
There a great formula for��Adrenal Imbalance�� I took called Womens Sense Adrenal Sense Formula and Licorice Root extract (not good for people who have high blood pressure). I had to add natural mineral sea salt to my diet, best salts Himalayan and Celtic Salt.
��
I got a lot��of info. to heal my Adrenal-Stress-Insomnia health issue from Online research and these��2 exceptional��Library books:��
��
"The Hormone Cure" by Dr. Sara����Gottfried����http://thehormonecurebook.com/
��
��"Are You Tired and Wired" by Marcelle�� Pick�� http://www.marcellepick.com/������
��
��
��
��
��
Adrenal Recovery Soup - The following vegetable soup recipe has proved helpful in adrenal support. It is rich in minerals and alkalinizing to help balance the acidity that usually occurs in people experiencing adrenal fatigue and stress. It has a calming, settling effect. This soup, called ���Taz,��� comes from Dolores S. Downey's ���Balancing Body Chemistry with Nutrition��� seminars.
��

  • 16 oz. green beans
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup tomato juice
  • 1 cup spring water
  • 2 tbsp. raw honey
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ��
    Combine ingredients and simmer for one hour until vegetables are tender. Pepper to taste.
    ��
    Diane
    ��
    ��
    ��

    Wednesday, January 22, 2014

    Adrenal Fatigue and Alternative Medicine

     

    Good Morning!


    Adrenal Fatigue and Alternative Medicine

    Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include: 
    low energy levels 
    feeling tired even after you sleep 
    excessive fatigue 
    difficulty concentrating and feel overwhelmed 
    nonspecific symptoms people experience: 
    poor digestion 
    craving salty and/or sweet foods 
    food or environmental allergies 
    joint pain 
    low back pain in the area of the kidneys 
    sighing, yawning 
    impaired memory 
    reduced sex drive 
    anxiety and irritability 
    low immune function 
    recurrent infections 
    consistent low blood pressure 
    extreme sensitivity to cold 
    difficulties that develop premenstrual syndrome 
    difficulties that develop during menopause

    The adrenal glands, of which you have two, are a part of the kidney system. These endocrine glands sit on top of the kidneys and are mainly responsible for releasing hormones in conjunction with stress through the synthesis of corticosteroids such as cortisol and catecholamines, such as epinephrine. Adrenal glands affect kidney function through the secretion of aldosterone, a hormone involved in regulating blood osmosis. The adrenals release three classes of hormones responsible for maintaining metabolic processes by managing blood sugar levels, regulating inflammation, regulating the balance of salt and water, controlling the "fight or flight" response to stress, maintaining pregnancy and initiating and controlling sexual maturation during childhood and puberty. The adrenal glands are also an important source of sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. The result of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) result in:

    blurry vision 
    rapid heartbeat 
    sudden mood changes 
    sudden nervousness 
    unexplained fatigue 
    pale skin 
    headache 
    hunger 
    shaking 
    sweating 
    difficulty sleeping 
    skin tingling 
    trouble thinking clearly or concentrating

    The cortex is the area surrounding the core and is responsible for fluid and electrolyte balance in the body using corticosteroids. These corticosteroids are responsible for the proper metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates.

    The term "Adrenal Fatigue" is not considered an acceptable medical diagnosis. It is actually a term, coined by a doctor in the mid 90's, to cover a group of non-specific symptoms people would experience when the adrenal aspect of their endocrine system was not functioning at optimum levels, resulting in many of the above symptoms. Western endocrinologists and conventional tests cannot diagnose adrenal fatigue because they are only able to diagnose extreme dysfunction in the adrenals, such as Addison's disease, a potentially fatal condition where the adrenals essentially shut down.

    The best way to establish a baseline diagnosis is with a saliva testing for cortisol levels and measurement of thyroid hormones in the blood in order to confirm the irregularities within the endocrine system. Simple boosting of cortisol levels or other hormones is not efficient enough in treating the balance of multiple organ systems. Finding the root cause of the disorder is essential.

    It is also important to differentiate adrenal fatigue vs. chronic fatigue syndrome. CFS is typically a post-viral fatigue syndrome characterized by disabling fatigue occurring chronically, after minimal exertion, and with duration of at least six months. As adrenal fatigue affects a group of body systems, treatment is incomplete if it just targets individual symptoms.

    The right nutrition for adrenal fatigue is essential. You must eat first thing in the morning. There is no compromise here. A low-glycemic (low-sugar) diet, consisting of sufficient protein and good fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates, eaten in smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day are the secret. Eat 6 - 8 servings of vegetables a day and some fruits (apples, mango, papaya, plums cherries and pears). Eat organic meats and dairy products in small portions. Water is your best choice. Other healthy choices are green tea, herbal teas, natural vegetable juices, goat's milk, almond milk, rice milk and carob (a great substitute for chocolate beverages). A snack before lunch and after lunch is also essential as it helps maintain blood glucose levels, boost the immune system and keeps the adrenals on track. 
    Foods to Avoid

    Non-organic meats and dairy products are loaded with preservatives, hormones and antibiotics.

    Suffering from adrenal fatigue due to blood sugar issues, you should be careful about high sugar levels found in bananas, grapefruit, dates, figs, raisins and oranges and avoid them.

    Although coffee, chocolate, alcohol and soft drinks give you an "energy rush" they should all be avoided, since the backlash is a severe drop in blood sugar levels as there affects run out and further deplete the adrenals. 
    Herbs and Supplements to Consider

    It is best to visit a professional, certified herbalist who is savvy in both Western and Chinese herbs, supplements, mineral and vitamins and who understand the mechanisms behind how they work! Herbs for adrenal fatigue are best used in combination with vitamins and need to be individualized or tailored to each patient's specific needs and contraindications. There is no "one size fits all" approach. This is difference between Western medicine and Naturopathic/Eastern medicine. Herbal treatment for adrenal fatigue should include herbs used to modulate adrenal secretion (or "Yin Tonic" formulations) as well as to increase the body's ability to respond to stress (or "Adaptogen" formulations).

    Herbs for adrenal health are best used in combination, and these combinations need to be individualized and tailored to each patient's specific needs and contraindications. For simplicity's sake, there are two ways to think about herbal treatment for adrenal fatigue: Herbs can be used to modulate adrenal secretion (i.e., a "tonic" approach) or to increase the body's ability to respond to stress (an"adaptogenic" approach).

    Adrenal Support Formula: combines the whole adrenal and adrenal cortex with a combination of herbs that nutritionally supports the adrenal glands. Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus, or eleuthero, are used primarily as adaptogens, nontoxic substances which improve overall health of the body by a wide range of physical, chemical, and biochemical factors. This formula enhances both the effects and production of certain adrenal hormones and maintains a healthy immune response.

    Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) also comes to the West through its long use in Chinese medicine. It is typically used in combination with other herbs, especially Rehmannia and Eleuthero. Astragalus is both a tonic and an adrenal support herb. Its key components are polysaccharide fractions, isoflavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and gaba-aminobutryic acid. These substances can affect growth hormone levels, blood glucose, general inflammation, blood pressure, blood flow, and water balance in the body. Astragalus can be combined with Eleuthero and Echinacea for patients who are "run down" and experiencing recurrent respiratory infections.

    Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root comes from India's Ayurvedic medicine tradition. It is particularly useful for stress induced sleeping problems especially when you take Ashwagandha immediately before bed. Recent East Indian trials showed that Ashwagandha improves both DHEAs (DHEA-sulfate) and testosterone levels.

    B Vitamin Complex: is a multifunctional blend of the highly crucial vitamins including B-2, B-6, B-12, Niacin and Pantothenic acid to help maintain a sufficient daily intake. These vitamins are essential for normal formation of blood cells, and also support vision health, a healthy nervous system and energy metabolism.

    Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa), as a long-term glandular tonic. It is used in North American Indian medicine for malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throat. It was also used for colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache and to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, black cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation.

    DHEA is a natural steroid hormone, one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and is converted as needed into other hormones. DHEA is chemically similar to testosterone and estrogen and is easily converted into those hormones. DHEA production peaks in early adulthood and declines in production with age in both men and women. Therefore, many diseases which correlate with age also correlate with low levels of DHEA production.

    Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus): is an adaptogen herb used to support cognition, alertness, immune function, and physical stress. The most recent research on adaptogens views them as stress adaptogens which act like mild stressors to the body, and the body's protective response is what accounts for the therapeutic benefits.

    Fo-Ti Root (Ho Shou Wu): a Chinese herb that's broader and slower in action than but similar to ginseng, works very well on tonifying the kidneys.

    Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a common herb well known for its ability to enhance peripheral circulation and for its neuroprotective effects. Often overlooked is the fact that Ginkgo can favorably affect stress levels. In one study, it lowered cortisol levels in healthy patients undergoing glucose tolerance testing.

    Ginseng Root (Korean - Panax Ginseng): is traditionally used in western herbal medicine to remedy physical or mental exhaustion, lowered immunity and facilitate adaptation to stress. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is considered a key herb for reinforcing vital energy and longevity. Ginseng Root, (Siberian): along with astragalus for immune support are key tonics for the adrenal and endocrine systems.

    Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra and G. uralensis) is a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for adrenal insufficiency and ulcers. This herb contains triterpenoid saponins that influence cortisol-cortisone balance throughout the body. Glycyrrhizin is the main active compound in licorice. At higher amounts, however, it has a strong effect on the kidney and allows cortisol to interact with aldosterone receptors, which affects sodium/potassium balance and increases blood pressure. For this reason, patients taking higher amounts of licorice need to be monitored closely. That is why, in TCM, it is used to assist the other herbs in a formula and is not the main ingredient.

    Mate: (pronounced, "mah-tay,") is an herbal tea native to South America. Mate is considered more nutritious than black tea (or coffee), and though it also has some caffeine, it's effects are energizing, rather than jittery.

    Multivitamins for Women and Multivitamins for Men are an essential part of any balanced lifestyle plan. It provides adequate amounts of key vitamins and minerals for the adrenals and metabolic processess. Consider your multivitamin carefully, as often, the least expensive have the poorest amounts and proper ratios needed for daily intake. You can find a good list of what should be in your vitamins here.

    Pregnenolone, (3-alpha-hydroxy-5-beta-pregnen-20-one): is a natural steroid hormone produced in the body from cholesterol. It has been described as the â€Å"Grandmother of all Steroid Hormones,” since all steroid hormones, over 150 of them, are derived from pregnenolone. Pregnenolone has been linked with positive support of the immune system, mood and memory. In the body, it takes one or two metabolic pathways, converting to DHEA and/or progesterone. It is likely that the body will convert pregnenolone appropriately, according to its needs. Studies show that the body makes 60% less of this hormone at age 75 than it does at age 35. Pregnenolone, a natural precursor to over 150 steroid hormones, helps support the immune system, mood and memory.

    Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is an adaptogen herb with a long history of traditional use. It also has a number of positive human trials in the areas of stress and fatigue management, enhancement of mental performance and treatmentof mild depression. Rhodiola exerts these beneficial effects by regulating key mediators of the stress response including cortisol, nitric oxide, molecular chaperones (HSP70) and stress activated protein kinases.

    Triphala : an Ayurvedic remedy, has been used as a long term glandular tonic. This combination of three fruits is one of the best bowel formulas in the world! Assists natural internal cleansing, Gently maintains regularity, nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues, supports healthy digestion and absorption and is a natural antioxidant. 
    Exercise for Fatigue?

    Absolutely. Consider exercises that are not overstimulating such as heavy lifting or aerobics. Do something more calming such as Pilates, restorative yoga or tai chi. Exercise gives you energy. Study after study supports those words, including one by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. More than 200 federal employees were placed on a moderate, regular exercise program. The results: 90 percent said they had never felt better. Almost half said they felt less stress, and almost one-third reported they slept better. 
    Get Acupuncture

    Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation is one of the Studies have shown that acupuncture helps to regulate the HPA axis (hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis) therefore, correcting problems that arise from adrenal hormone and neurotransmitter derangement like depression, anxiety, fatigue, and insomnia. Acupuncture can help suffers of adrenal fatigue by stimulating key points associated with the kidney. In some cases, acupressure may be done by massaging just inside the ankle between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Massage the area in a clockwise motion for five minutes on each side of the foot and repeat daily. 


    ,___

    Empowering Resolutions: Starting and Keeping Exercise In Your Life

     


    Good Morning!

    Empowering Resolutions: Starting and Keeping Exercise In Your Life

    This month we will be keeping tabs on your New Years Resolutions, in order to empower you, help you to stay on track and give you some great tips for keeping your promise to yourself. 

    Exercise is what your body instinctively wants to do especially under stress: fight or flight, and it works. It burns off some of the stress chemicals which tension produces. Therefore, a tired muscle is a relaxed muscle. Regular exercise builds stamina that can help anyone battle stress. But even something as casual as a walk around the block can help you burn off some of the tension that you carrying around. 

    Exercise and Love It!  Want to drop the depression? Want to get the blood circulating again? How about stop the aches and pains? Get back to exercise! It is the secret to better brain health, bone strength and good sex! What is stopping you? Here is a secret... exercise by doing something you love! It has to get your heart rate going and you have to do it for 30 minutes. Be creative, get motivated, get moving! 

    How To Do It 

    By increasing lifestyle activities each day, try doing four 10-minute increases at least five days a week. The idea is to just do more of what you are already doing. Here are some great ideas on getting motivated:

    *Walk, don't drive. 

    *Take the stairs at the office â€" not the elevator. 

    *Play with your kids instead of watching them play. 

    *Bike to the store. 

    *Stretch while you watch TV. 

    *Get up from the sofa to change the channel. Channel surfers get 
    quite a workout. 

    *Park at the opposite end of the mall from where you're headed. 

    *If you've got an exercise bike at home, peddle away for 5 minutes while you're talking on the phone or waiting for the washing machine 
    to finish. 

    *Walk the treadmill while watching a favorite TV program. 

    *Listen to music and dance your way through housecleaning. 

    *Start slow â€" a few minutes at first. Then, pick up the pace and go longer. 

    *Workout clothes are not necessary, but wear good walking shoes. 

    *Don't let missing a few days become your excuse to quit. 

    *Even if you miss a few days, you won't lose all the benefits you've gained. 

    *Be flexible. Do what you can when you can. 

    *Take advantage of opportunities. If you're watching your child's soccer game, walk around the field. 

    *Playing golf? Skip the cart. 

    *Find a partner. Climbing stairs at the office will be far more interesting if you chat away the minutes with a co-worker. 

    *Instead of building your life around exercise, build exercise around your life. 


    _._,___

    Monday, January 20, 2014

    Color Therapy and Crystals

     

    Good Morning!

    Color Therapy and Crystals

    Color healing, light therapy and chromotherapy are all terms used

    interchangeably with color therapy, which is a set of principles used

    to create harmonious color and color combinations for healing. This

    form of energy medicine is based on the belief that the human body is

    composed of energy fields. When the energy is properly distributed

    and circulating freely, the body is healthy. Imbalances or abnormal

    amounts of energy are believed to indicate an excess or deficiency.

    Color is energy. The energy vibration of that color is what you need,

    in the moment, in order to improve and balance your physical and

    emotional state.


    Chakra Balancing, Aura Cleansing, Colorpuncture, Light Therapy and

    Color Therapy modalities of healing are profound and are great

    integrative therapies that can be used in conjunction with many other

    forms of health care.



    History of Color Therapy


    Color therapy is a technique of restoring imbalance by means of

    applying color to the body. It was a popular method of cure even in

    ancient times. Some 2,500 years ago, Pythagoras applied color light

    therapeutically and `color halls' were used for healing in ancient

    Egypt, China and India.


    The first color wheel was invented by Sir Isaac Newton. He split

    white sunlight into red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, and blue. He

    then joined the two ends of the color spectrum together to show the

    natural progression of colors. Newton went a step further and

    associated each color with a musical note.


    Johann Wolfgang Goethe began studying psychological effect of colors

    about a century after Newton. Goethe created a color wheel showing

    the psychological effect of each color. He divided all the colors

    into two groups: the plus group (red, orange, yellow) and the minus

    group (green, blue, indigo, violet). Colors of the plus group produce

    excitement and cheerfulness. Colors of the minus group are associated

    with weakness and unsettled feelings. Goethe observed that blue gives

    a feeling of coolness and yellow has a warming effect.


    The pioneer of modern color therapy was Niels Finsen of Denmark.

    Following the discovery, in 1877, of the bactericidal action of solar

    ultra-violet energy, Finsen studied the possibility of assisting the

    healing of wounds with visible light. He subsequently used red light

    to inhibit the formation of smallpox scars and, in 1896, founded a

    Light Institute ( now the Finsen Institute of Copenhagen) for the

    phototreatment of tuberculosis. In 1932, Gerrard and Hessay, two

    Californian psychologists, scientifically established that:


    • blue light has a calming effect


    • red light has a stimulating power on human beings.


    Blue and red colors are considered at the two extremes with yellow

    representing the midpoint. These are also the three principal colors

    in a rainbow.


    Every substance on earth contains color. Even the rays cast on earth

    by celestial bodies contain color in the form of white light. The

    rays of the sun contain seven different colors - violet, indigo,

    blue, green, yellow, orange and red. These are natural colors which

    are highly beneficial to the maintenance of health and for healing

    diseases.



    Healing With Color and Crystals


    There are numerous ways to heal and balance with color and crystals.

    Crystals are color and light captured in a solid form. Crystals incorporate the

    energy from their minerals, the intense pressure it took to create them and the

    "energetics" from the color they have created over time!


    A good rule of thumb is this: "Energy follows thought". Where we put our

    thoughts, this is where the energy goes. By concentrating on a

    particular healing color, it is the visualization of that color that

    will be projected. If we focus on a color, the energy emanates from

    our body and begins to change the frequency that resonates with that

    particular color.


    Color and crystals are captured light energy. Light, which is split into

    different wavelengths vibrating at different speeds and different frequencies,

    instilled in a crystal. Objects that ABSORB all wavelengths and DO NOT reflect

    any, is black. Objects that REFLECT all wavelengths and DOES reflect everything,

    is white.

    Between black and white lies COLOR. Colors are wavelengths of energy

    that, to us, appear as color because of the potential and

    capabilities of the object to either absorb or reflect the energy.

    This basic principle is how we experience color.


    Every substance on earth contains color. The rays of the sun contain

    seven different colors - violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange

    and red. These are natural colors, which are highly beneficial to the

    maintenance of health and for healing diseases.



    Crystal Light Therapy


    Crystal Light Therapy has been valued throughout history as a remarkable source

    of healing. Today, the therapeutic applications of light and color are being

    investigated in major hospitals and research centers worldwide. Results indicate

    that full-spectrum, ultraviolet, colored, and laser light can have therapeutic

    value for a range of conditions from chronic pain and depression to immune

    disorders.


    The oldest form of light therapy is natural sunlight, which is the ultimate

    source of full-spectrum light. For those living in areas that see very little

    sunlight this time of year, there are other

    options; full-spectrum light therapy, bright light therapy, various

    forms of UV light therapy, syntonic optometry, cold laser therapy,

    and visual color therapy.



    Crystals and Color from a Psychological Perspective


    This color experience provides the opportunity to discover for

    yourself, the impact colors can have on your well-being. The need for

    a particular color's vibration seems to differ from day to day or

    even from hour to hour.


    When you absorb a color vibration it travels, via the nervous system,

    to the part of the body that needs it. Each body has its own optimum

    state of well-being and is constantly seeking ways to maintain or

    restore a balanced state. Utilizing color, is one way you can help

    yourself to harmony!


    You can experience the affects of color therapy by the food you eat,

    light you experience, clothes you wear, colors you meditate on and

    the colors that surround you.



    Crystals can be a very affective tool when bringing color into your

    life. The color of crystals are associated with the Chakra and Aura

    systems are coorelate to the specific layers and centers. Below is a

    partical listing of crystals and the Chakra:


    Chakra/Crystal/Color Correspondence (a partial example)


    The Root Chakra, 1st chakra: red or black: lodestone, ruby, garnet,

    smoky quartz, obsidian, onyx, hematite.


    The Spleen Chakra, 2nd chakra: orange: carnelian, coral, orange

    jasper, orange jade


    The Solar Plexus Chakra, 3rd chakra: yellow: amber, topaz, citrine,

    yellow calcite, yellow jasper


    The Heart Chakra, 4th chakra: green or pink: emerald, tourmaline,

    aventurine, malachite, rose quartz, rhodonite, rhodochrosite


    The Throat Chakra, 5th chakra: blue: turquoise, aquamarine, lapis,

    sodalite, quartz, angelite, aqua aura


    The Brow Chakra, 6th chakra: purple: lapis, iolite, amethyst


    The Crown Chakra, 7th chakra: white or clear: quartz, diamond, white

    amethyst



    Saturday, January 18, 2014

    Recipes: Low Fat Pumpkin Pie

     

    Good Morning!

    Recipes: Low Fat Pumpkin Pie

    INGREDIENTS:

    -6 sheets phyllo dough, thawed (use a ready-made, reduced-fat graham
    cracker crust instead)
    -Cooking spray
    -3/4 cup dark brown sugar
    -1/2 tsp salt
    -1 tsp ground cinnamon
    -1/2 tsp ground ginger
    -1/4 tsp ground cloves
    -1/2 cup egg substitute or 4 egg whites
    -1 15-ounce can pumpkin
    -1 12-ounce can fat-free evaporated milk
    (Serves 8)

    PREPARATION:

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees
    Cut phyllo sheets in half and stack on wax paper or plastic wrap
    (each full length sheet is 14 x 18 inches; if you happen to have 14 x
    9-inch sheets, leave whole). Place wax paper or plastic wrap on top
    layer and cover with a damp towel to prevent sheets from drying out.

    Coat a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray. Lay a half sheet of phyllo
    pastry in pie dish. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Repeat with
    rest of half sheets, fanning out to form a circle. Fold and crimp
    edges. Weigh down with pie weights and bake for 10 minutes until
    slightly browned.

    Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Beat egg substitute or egg
    whites with pumpkin puree. Slowly pour in evaporated milk and mix
    well. Add sugar and spices to pumpkin mixture and blend thoroughly.
    Pour into pie crust; bake for an hour, or until knife inserted in
    center comes out clean.


    Thursday, January 16, 2014

    Homemade Shampoo

     



    Homemade Coconut Shampoo
    Liquid castile soap is generally made from olive oil (and/or other oils) and water.  Though some naturals have shied away from it with all the talk of pH, the reality is that other naturals have faired fine using it in their shampoo recipes.  If you are interested in giving liquid castile soap a try, the following mixture involves the addition of organic coconut milk (for dilution and additional lathering), distilled water (for further dilution), and safflower oil (for moisture).
    Ingredients:
    1/4 cup liquid Castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's)
    3 tbsp organic Coconut milk
    1 tsp distilled water
    1 tsp. coldpressed Safflower oil or Coconut oil or Grapeseed oil (add more if you desire)

    Instructions:
    1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bottle. Shake the bottle well before use.
    2. Save the remainder in a closed bottle for future use (up to a few weeks).
    3. Follow up with an apple cider vinegar rinse (if necessary) for pH balance.


    To make a Herbal homemade shampoo  for Oily Hair:
    • 8 oz distilled water
    • 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary                                   
    • 2 teaspoons of dried rose petals                                   
    • 3 ounces liquid castile soap
    • 3 Tablespoon aloe vera gel
    • ¼  teaspoon of jojoba oil
    • 30 drops of pure rosemary essential oil
    Fill the jar with boiling water and immediately place a lid over the jar.Let this mixture steep for a minimum of 30 minutes. Sometimes I just let the mixture stand until cool.  Strain the herbs. Let the remaining liquid cool to room temperature.  Place the liquid into a shampoo bottle. (You can buy a new shampoo-like bottle or simply store it in an old shampoo bottle that has been washed out).  Add the castile soap to the container.  Place the rosemary and rose petals into a jar. Then add the jojoba oil and essential oil.  And finally add the aloe vera gel.  Shake well and voila! You have your own herbal homemade shampoo. You'll want to shake this mixture each time before you use it. This shampoo should last for several weeks. If it will take you longer than that to use the whole content you may consider keeping a portion of it in the fridge to prolong the shelf life.If you don't have distilled water (you can buy it at any grocery store), you can use regular water – but this may lead to a shorter shelf life. The distilled water ensures that you aren't adding any bacteria to the mix.
    Variations:
    (Feel free to mix and match herbs.  This recipe uses about 3 teaspoons of dried herbal material.)
    If you have blond or lightly colored hair you might use chamomile and calendula in your herbal mix.
    For a dark blend you can mix nettle, sage, and black walnut hulls.
    For dry hair try violet leaf and marshmallow root and possibly add more oil to your recipe.
    To strengthen your hair, simmer horsetail, oatstraw, clary sage, and nettle for twenty minutes. Strain and cool. Use this as your herbal base.
    Besides rosemary essential oil you might also enjoy chamomile, lavender, and sage essential oils. If you have an itchy scalp and/or dandruff you might try adding tea tree oil to the mix.
    Adding organic sulfur in the form of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane, an organic sulphur compound) to help strengthen your hair.
    You can add vitamin E by pricking a liquid capsule with a pin and squeezing it into your cooled mixture.
    Add Honey to your Coconut milk. Both of these make your shampoo creamy and give a sweet scent. You also benefit from these two by getting soft, shiny hair.

    Thursday, January 9, 2014

    The New Year On A New SuperMoon

     


    Good Morning!

    The New Year On A New "Super" Moon

    On the day when most everybody puts their intentions "out there" for the Universe to gather,  many people may not have been aware that the First of January was on a New Moon.

    We consider the time of the new moon as the time of birthing. Birthing new ideas, intention and seeding new ventures. This is also called the dark of the moon. This time also marks the beginning of a major new cycle in your life. It is not yet a definitive seperation with the past, but it is a time when old familiar patterns lose energy and you instinctively feel an impulse for creating new beginnings. Setting your intentions and releasing them out to the Universe to manifest and express. What better day to day this than on New Year's Eve when the clock strikes midnight!  This particular moon is also considered a Super Moon!


    There will be several Super Moons in 2014. January 1st and another one January 30th,  These are both new moons while the others will be full moons. What is a super moon?  I think EarthSky.org says it best:

    "The term supermoon didn't come from astronomy. We used to call them perigee… "near Earth." An astrologer, Richard Nolle, is credited with coining the term supermoon. He defines them as:

    . . . a new or full moon which occurs with the moon at or near (within 90% of) its closest approach to Earth.

    "By this definition, a new moon or full moon has to come within 224,851 miles of our planet, as measured from the centers of the moon and Earth, in order to be a supermoon."

    Other Lunar Excitement for 2014

    August 10 the full moon will arrive at its closest point to the Earth in 2014. This full moon will be only 221,765 miles away, therefore, it name, a "Supermoon."

    April 14 and into the early hours of April 15 there will be a total lunar eclipse. The Waning moon will be completely immersed in the Earth's shadow. Astronomers in North and South America will best be able to view this eclipse, which should last for 75-80 minutes.


    April 28 - 29 those who will happen to be in Antarctica will have first row seats for a "Ring of Fire" eclipse. The partial solar eclipse will produce what is known as a "ring of fire" illusion, as the moon blocks out the majority of the sun's light.


    October 8 the second total lunar eclipse of the year will occur, visible to the western half of North America, Hawaii, eastern Asia, Indonesia, New Zealand and the eastern half of Australia. Across central and eastern North America the moon will set while entirely covered by Earth's shadow. This eclipse is expected to last one hour.


    October 23 the moon's penumbral shadow will cover much of North America and eastern Siberia, producing a partial solar eclipse.