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

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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

[AlternativeAnswers] Celebrating Mabon (Autumn Equinox)

 

 Celebrating Mabon (Autumn Equinox)
(~excerpt from "The Crystal Witch" "A Year and A Day of Spells for Empowering Life" by Andrew Pacholyk)

Traditions from the Celtic culture have always fascinated me. Found in France, at the end of the 19th century, The Coligny-Calendar is a compilation of pre-Christian Celtic systems of timekeeping, including the Gaulish Coligny calendar, used by Celtic countries to define the beginning and length of the day, the week, the month, the seasons, quarter days, and festivals. The Gaulish Coligny calendar is possibly the oldest Celtic solar/lunar ritual calendar. 

Evidence has shown that it was made under the auspices of the Druids, as it shows the Druidical belief in lucky and unlucky days. Each month is divided into a good half(marked "MAT" or auspicious) and a bad half (marked :ANM" inauspicious). The year was divided into a light half and a dark half.  

Mabon falls at the end of the "light half". This is also the Autumn Equinox. This is the time of the completion of the harvest started at Lughnasad. Day and night are equal once more as the God prepares to travel toward renewal and rebirth from the Goddess. Mabon, a Welsh son of the Divine Mother, was captured as a child and taken to the Otherworld. He was ultimately rescued and this sun festival celebrates the second harvest (or second chance). Autumn is a season of shadows and a time of waning light, but it is also a season of abundance, giving thanks and harvest. Traditions from this season include traditional walks through wilderness or fields, gathering dried plants to be used for decorating or future herbal decoctions. The altar can be adorn with acorns, pine cones, corn stalks, and various colored Fall leaves. This is the time for completion of tasks, the act of forgiving and the fruition of long-term goals.  Here is a fun "ritual" or positive affirmation process that brings awareness to our seasonal change:


-1 candles (brown, red, pumpkin) or (3 white for purity, spirit and sanctity)
-1 anointing oil (create your own ~ Fall oil, or use our MOON Glow Mabon/Fall oil)
-1 incense (create your own ~ see recipe below ~ or use our Sacred Incense Collection)
-1 crystal each of color: brown stone (copper or flint), purple stone (amethyst or fluorite), orange stone (carnelian or calcite), black stone (obsidian or tourmaline)
-1 basket 
-loaf of bread
-gourds of pumpkins
-apples, berries (black, current, red)
-leaves
-Salt, altar cloth, popcorn (representing harvest)…

In the Western most part of your home, build your altar or use your current altar.

With your salt or popcorn…. Cast a circle or lay down your altar cloth.

Light your incense and trace the circle with the smoke, then place the dish of incense in the center. 

Now add your basket to the center of the circle.

With your oil, anoint your candle. Place the candle in the circle and then light your candles.

With your oil, anoint your crystals.  Place your crystals into the basket.

Now add your bread, gourds, pumpkins, leaves, apples and berries to the basket


"Oh harvest day so full of pride,
I give thanks for all gifts of mine,
Of gracious food to fill my soul,
With gratitude that's 10 times fold.
With thanks for all that comes my way,
To those who suffer every day,
Let their burden be much less,
through my prayers and thankfulness."


Take a moment of contemplation before your sacred space. Reflect upon the joy of abundance in your life and the gratitude before you. You may have much or you may have a little. What really matters is that you are truly grateful for what you DO have and NOT what you don't have.  Take advantage of this time to give thanks. Realized how blessed and lucky you are. Pay attention to what you have been give DAILY. This is the real magic and it is important that you REALLY recognize it!  Walk within nature and get familiar with the re-introduction of nature, back into your aura. It is time to give thanks, contemplate and remember. 


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

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[AlternativeAnswers] Fantastic Fall: Alternative Remedies for Autumn

 

Good Morning!
 
Fantastic Fall: Alternative Remedies for Autumn
 
Fall is the season when certain disorders are more prevalent than at other times of the year. Asthma, allergies and skin disorders can affect almost any one susceptible to them.
 
Prevention is key. The lung and large intestine are the internal organs related to Fall. These organs are associated with the emotion of taking in and letting go. They are considered the main organs for detoxing and cleansing the body during this season. Therefore, this is a good time to do a cleansing.
 
Taking in through the nose and mouth such as the breathe of life is important as we transition from the hot season of summer to the cool season of Fall. The nose is the opening to the lungs, therefore, colds and flu are easier to catch. Keep your nose and sinuses clean and clear. Using a netti pot with some sea salt and water helps rid the nose of excess mucus.
 
Constipation is often prevalent in the Fall as the process of "letting go" can be a difficult one.
 
Sleep difficulties are more prominent due to the changing balance of light and dark.
 
1. Cleansing the Body 
This is one of three processes that should be done 4 times a year. Using the seasons as a guide, allows us to work with the "flow of nature" and change as our bodies change. Consider a healthy detox or work with the power of an herbal cleanser. 
Here is a nice Detoxification Bath to get you started:

Detoxification Bath 
2 Cups Sea Salt
2 Cups Baking Soda
4 Tbsp. Ginger Powder
Place all ingredients in a hot bath and bathe for 20 Minutes
Drink plenty of water. This bath withdraws impurities from your body
and helps you to feel better. This bath can be done 
2 to 3 times in a week or as needed.

Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative and is high in both fiber and mucilage. Psyllium seeds contain 10-30% mucilage. The laxative properties of psyllium are due to the swelling of the husk when it comes in contact with water. This forms a gelatinous mass and keeps the feces hydrated and soft. The resulting bulk stimulates a reflex contraction of the walls of the bowel, followed by emptying.
De-cluttering the space around you can make all the difference in the way you feel. Start small. Try organizing a drawer or desk, your closet or one room in your house, first. Then move on to a bigger project. Learn the secrets to de-cluttering and re-organizing your life with the proponents of Feng Shui
 

2. Cleansing the Mind

This is the 2nd in the trilogy. Learn how to think in "affirmations" that are positive! These are statements that you make either aloud or to yourself. Always approve and accept yourself. You cannot love yourself unless you first, approve of and accept yourself.
A disciplined mind is a free mind.
 
Gain control over your thoughts and you maintain control over your life. Retrain your mind and you regain your freedom. Calming the mind is a behavioral technique used to interrupt, minimize and eliminate "psychological noise". Obsessive, repetitive thoughts, anxiety and fears are all apart of negative, self-destructive patterns that can benefit from the positive affirmations and mind quieting.
Here is a wonderful affirmation you can use daily for empowerment:

"Love Thy Self" 
I am perfect, whole and complete NOW, the way I am. 
I deserve all that I require. 
I am worthy, loveable and strong.

 

3. Cleansing the Spirit
 
This is a life long lesson and third in the trilogy. Utilize the strength of yoga therapy. What is your belief system ? Does it serve you well? How about discovering some great meditations !
 
The Sun Salutation in yoga is a great wakening and cleansing exercise. This is a flowing combination of some of the asanas in hatha yoga.
 
Sun Salutation

Stand in Tadasana (feet together arms by your side), take a deep breath, clasp thumbs in front of you 
and raise arms in front of you over head. Arch back from the waist.  Now, fold over at the waist as you exhale, placing palms on the 
floor, Uttanasana, step your right leg back into Lunge, step your left leg back to Plank, come into Bhujangasana, flow into Adho Mukha Svanasana, step your right foot forward to Lunge, left foot forward for Uttanasana, inhale up to Tadasana. Repeat, stepping your left leg back into Lunge.

Cleansing Meditation
 
Breath is life! Exchange of electrons. Flow of energy. Air is the primary nutrient. Survival without it is measured in minutes. It is 
so important that you do it without thinking. Your breathing is the voice of your spirit. It's depth, smoothness, sound, and rate reflect 
your mood. If you become aware of your breath and breathe the way you do when you are calm you will become calm. Practicing regular, mindful breathing can be calming and energizing. With the addition of music and it's rhythm, the "musical breath" can even help stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders. Fall into the rhythm of the music and breathe. Focus on your breathing and the music.
 
Focusing on the breath is one of the most common and fundamental techniques for accessing the meditative state. Breath is a deep 
rhythm of the body that connects us intimately with the world around us. 
Close your eyes, breathe deeply and regularly, and observe your breath as it flows in and out of your body. Give your full attention 
to the breath as it comes in, and full attention to the breath as it goes out. Whenever you find your attention wandering away from your 
breath, gently pull it back to the rising and falling of the breath. Inhale through your nose slowly and deeply, feeling the lower chest 
and abdomen inflate like a balloon. Hold for five seconds. Exhale deeply, deflating the lower chest and abdomen like a balloon. Hold 
for five seconds. Do this three or four times, then allow your breathing to return to a normal rhythm. You will begin to feel a 
change come over your entire body. Gradually you will become less aware of your breathing, but not captured in your stream of thoughts. You will become more centered inward. You will just "be there."

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

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Monday, September 21, 2015

[AlternativeAnswers] September is National Yoga Month: Essential Oils for Your Yoga Practice

 

Good Morning!

September is National Yoga Month: Essential Oils For Your Yoga Practice

Essential oils are the pure essence of plants, extracted for their healing, cleansing and magical properties. The olfactory nerves in the brain work by transporting us, encouraging us or relaxing us through the power of scent. In order to benefit from all the rich aspects essential oils have to offer, it is important to look at each structural source as an individual and unique frame of reference. The therapeutic "signature" of each plant, tree or fruit, is its essence, or essential oil.

Essential oils in yoga have so many uses, on and off the mat. I have a core group I recommend such as eucalyptus, juniper, lavender, orange, rosemary, rosewood, tea tree, thyme ...These essential oils work as a calmative, an antiseptic, diuretic and infection fighter. These select oils are simply a jumping point for you to start discovering these wonderful "scent tools".

Eucalyptus: This oil is best know as a decongestant for colds. Powerful antibacterial and antiviral. Good for use in rheumatism pain. Promotes cell regeneration and regulates the oiliness of the skin. Increases circulation and helps stabilize blood sugar. On the mat: add 25 drops of eucalyptus oil to a spray bottle with 4 ounces of water. Shake and spray your yoga mat to clean and disinfectant your mat after class. Off the mat: add 30 drops of eucalyptus oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (jojoba, vegetable, olive oil). Massage into stiff joints.

Juniper: This oil is an antiseptic, diuretic and fights infection. Excellent for its detoxification properties. A good oil for skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Warning: Avoid during pregnancy. Activates the kidneys. Consult your healthcare provider with kidney problems. On the mat: Inhale this stimulating oil directly out of the bottle. One nostril then the other, before class to encourage a more focused and energized practice. Off the mat: add 20 drops of juniper oil to 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (jojoba, vegetable, olive oil). Massage into any small eczema patches, dermatitis or heat rash.

Lavender: This oil is an amazing therapeutic oil. Stimulates new cell growth, lifts depression, calms nerves, fights infection, reduces inflammation, and eases congestion. Relieves pain and muscle spasm. Lowers blood pressure. On the mat: add 15 drops of lavender oil to a misting bottle with 2 ounces of water. Shake and spray over face and Crown Chakra for a restorative end of practice meditation or Savasana. Off the mat: 100 uses including massage oil, de-stresser oil, room refreshener.

Orange: Stimulates lymphatic circulation, improves immunity, fights infection, reduces inflammation, relieves muscle spasm, eases digestive disorders. Cools fever and warms chills, calms nerves, diminishes depression. Warning: may irritate skin, promote photosensitivity. Avoid going in the sun while using this oil. On the mat: add 15 drop of orange oil to a cloth and massage into your yoga mat. Removes residue and negativity! Off the mat: add 20 drops of orange oil to a spray bottle with 4 ounces of water. Shake and spray in any room in your house. Increases conversation, stimulates prana energy and lifts depression!

Rosemary: Stimulates the adrenal glands, circulatory system, liver, gallbladder, promotes nerve health, improves the functioning of the heart and nervous system. Tones and tightens the skin, regulates oil secretion, fights infection, joint pain, muscle spasms, and eases digestive orders. Warning: This oil may trigger epileptic seizures in prone individuals, may irritate sensitive skin. Avoid if you have high blood pressure. On the mat: Massage 10 drops of this oil into your abdomen and 3 drops into your temples, right before class. Improves circulation, focus and awareness. Off the mat: Add 15 drops rosemary oil into 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (jojoba, vegetable, olive oil). Massage oil over ankles and arms using upward strokes toward the heart to boost circulation.

Rosewood: helps relieve pain, fights infection, diminishes depression, stimulates the brain, clears the head, improves immunity, helps skin disorders, and stimulates sexual desire. On the mat: This is a wonderful oil to diffuse during class time. Add 15 drops to an electric or candle diffuser and let the scent permeate the room. Off the mat: Add 10 drops rosewood oil into 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (jojoba, vegetable, olive oil). Massage into ligaments and muscles after a long, hard class.

Tea tree: fights infection, and fungi, soothes skin disorders, and heals wounds. Releases mucous, relieves respiratory congestion. Increases immunity. Kills insects. Excellent for foot, nail fungus, athlete's foot. Warning: May be irritating to sensitive skin. On the mat: This is a fantastic oil to cleanse your mat with. Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to a spray bottle with 4 ounces of water. Shake and spray your yoga mat to clean and disinfectant after class. Off the mat: Massage a few drops of tea tree oil directly to your feet and nails, about an hour before bedtime.

Thyme: fights infection, improves immunity, eases pain of arthritis, eases muscle pain, improves digestion, and relieves urinary tract infection and respiratory ailments. Improves circulation, elevates coughs, improves lung function. Overcomes emotional fatigue, nervousness, and stress, regulates oiliness of skin, regulates skin disorders. Warning: Avoid during pregnancy, or if you have hyperthyroidism, or high blood pressure. Can irritate or sensitize skin and mucous membranes, stimulates menstrual flow. On the mat: This is another great oil to diffuse during class time. Add 10 drops thyme oil to an electric or candle diffuser and let the scent permeate the room. Primarily used for respiratory issues, it works as a great air freshener. Off the mat: Add 3-5 drops of oil to a cup of water and massage into cuts, bruises or to disinfect a wounds. 


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

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