02.11.08
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Healing, Stress Relief at 12:50 am by Administrator
– By Irene Tamaras
What Are ESSENTIAL OILS?
Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils are special medicinal healing substances that are extracted from various healing plants. Essential oils were used by ancient cultures including Ancient Egyptians for the treatment of illnesses and for religious rituals.
At first look, essential oils appear so simple, but they are not. They contain hundreds to thousands of different chemical constituents, many occurring in minute quantities, but all working together to produce therapeutic effects. Essential Oils are distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. Essential Oils are oxygenated and assist in delivering nutrients to the cells in our body. The oils are highly concentrated containing profound healing properties so only a few drops are necessary per application (1 to 3 drops). The oils diffuse very quickly (within minutes) throughout the blood and tissues by penetrating the pores of the skin and the cell membranes.
Benefits of ESSENTIAL OILS
Containing enormously valuable medicinal healing properties, Essential Oils provide dramatic results when used therapeutically. Essential Oils deliver subtle energetic rebalancing effects that work on the physical body, chakras, meridians, and higher spiritual bodies, as well as the emotions. Essential Oils penetrate the pores of the skin and cell membranes and diffuse throughout the blood and tissues. Essential Oils can enhance circulation and immune function. There are so many wonderful benefits that occur when using the oils such as:
• Pain Relief
• Anti-inflammation
• Antiseptic
• Stimulate Immune Function
• Regenerate Damaged Tissue
• Relieve Stress and Promote Relaxation
• For Minor Burns
• To Kill Viruses and Bacteria
• Calming and Sedative Effects
• Improve Concentration and Mental Clarity
• Menstrual Cramps and Premenstrual Syndrome Relief (PMS)
• Back Injuries
• Improve Human Nervous Conditions
• Headaches, Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks
• Clearing Emotional Patterns and Improving Emotional Condition (refer to next section for further information)
CLEARING EMOTIONAL PATTERNS
Essential Oils have the ability to clear and release emotional patterns and to improve your emotional condition at any given moment. These are truly remarkable benefits for two reasons: (1) there is a significant relationship between mental and bodily processes and (2) emotions are stored in cells of the body and an emotional pattern is established.
A great instructional guide to use is the book Releasing Emotional Patterns with Essential Oils by Carolyn L. Mein, DC. This brilliant book explains how to use Essential Oils to access the parts of the brain where emotions are stored and learn how to move through blocked emotional patterns. Mein identifies specific essential oils that correspond to specific emotions and explains how to apply the oils to acupuncture alarm points to release the emotion from cellular memory.
As humans, it is important to be able to express both positive and negative emotions. If negative emotions are not expressed safely, an unhealthy build-up form in our body that can lead to illness and an emotional pattern is established.
Learning the opposite side of an emotion (i.e. laughter is the opposite of anger, encouragement the opposite of disappointment, joy the opposite of sadness) and having the ability to ‘release’ this negative emotion in a healthy way creates positive feelings and the energy involved can be used constructively. Emotional energy, if not released, enters the body and gets stored in organs or glands and the memory of the physical or emotional pain or trauma gets stored in the part of the brain known as the limbic system. Even without us knowing it, the body then holds on to an emotional pattern.
It is very important to note that even if we recognize an emotional pattern and try hard to modify our behavior/thought process, change cannot fully occur since emotions are stored in our cells. Using the Essential Oils as directed in Mein’s book can and will remove this stored negative energy from cellular memory. If emotions are deep-seated, then it will be necessary to repeat the process again and again until the emotion is fully released.
To those reading about this for the very first time, until you read Mein’s book and try it for yourself, it may be a little difficult to fully comprehend how this clearing process works, but know that the emotional clearing process can really produce profound life-altering benefits.
How To Use Essential Oils & Choosing Essential Oils
Some of the best instruction on how to use Essential Oils can be found in the following books: Essential Oils Pocket Reference and the Essential Oils Desk Reference, Essential Science Publishing, July 2001).
Essential Oils can be used in the following ways (some pure oils may need to be applied with a mixing oil for some because of possible sensitivities; it’s best to test a small area of your skin):
• Applied directly on location, site of pain or problem area
• Used in a compress to penetrate skin
• Used as a massage oil by mixing with a massage oil base
• Applied to the hands and feet at Reflexology points which are areas that correspond to the part of the body you wish to support
• Through direct inhalation or dispersed in the air with a humidifier/vaporizer/diffuser/sprayer
• Taken orally (only some essential oils can be taken orally, consult with the Recommended Reading books to learn about specific oils and their uses)
• Applied to acupuncture alarm points to clear emotional patterns
• Worn as a perfume or cologne
When choosing Essential Oils, it is very important to note that not all Essential Oils sold in the marketplace are pure, therefore, unable to produce therapeutic results. Many Essential Oils are adulterated, synthetically produced, or diluted oftentimes to be sold cheaper. Be mindful of the company you purchase your Essential Oils because these oils can be harmful to consumers and can also cause rashes, burns, or other irritations and not produce any therapeutic benefits. Although there is no current organization that regulates the purity of Essential Oils sold in the US, there is an indicator called the ISO (International Standards Organization) certification or the AFNOR (Association French Normalization Organization Regulation) standard established in France and these European standards have been introduced in the US.
About the Author
Irene Tamaras is CEO of Dynamic Pain Relief, www.dynamicpainrelief.com, a provider of alternative self-help treatments, products, and information for people seeking solution for physical, emotional, and mental challenges. She lives in the Washington Metropolitan Area and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Business Administration and a double major in Transportation and Economics. From her own personal battle with chronic pain and mobility challenges from a severe fall, she has spent a decade seeking out natural and effective ways to manage chronic pain and stress. Irene is a leading expert on Reiki (she holds a 2nd degree Reiki), Reflexology and Reflexotherapy, Qi Gong, Meditation, and Essential Oils. For more information you can contact Irene Tamaras at info@dynamicpainrelief.com or 240-476-4307.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Self Help, Yoga at 12:43 am by Administrator
– By Richard A Masla ND
Ayur means life and Veda means knowledge. Ayurveda is the science of life. If there was a life handbook given at birth guiding us to a healthy and happy life, included would be several chapters on the science of Ayurveda. This ancient healing system has its historical base in the pre-Aryan civilization of India dating back over 5000 years.
Ayurveda is the science of living in harmony with the forces of nature. Its holistic approach to healthcare is unique in that it enables us to treat the individual as a part of the whole. Understanding one’s personal nature (prakrti) and the impact the environment has on one’s life offers us clarity of the most appropriate lifestyle applications that would serve us best. These may include nutrition and dietary changes, simple exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing (called pranayama) and addition of simple herbal medicines. These simple changes will create a greater harmonic balance for the mind, body and spirit.
In Ayurveda, food may be used to support healing. These principles coincide with the basic Hippocratic principle that food serves as the most valuable medicine for supporting and maintaining health. Likewise, poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles create a foundation for disease to begin.
One of the major causes of illness according to the Ayurveda is called jnana-aparadha or offense against knowledge. If you get heartburn every time you eat foods prepared with tomatoes and continue to eat them, you will suffer the consequences. This is called jnana-aparadha. If your body is telling you that a particular food is not good for you; listen. The Surgeon General of the United States said that 60% of diseases are diet related. Ayurveda says that almost all disease can be related to improper digestion of foods and the wrong combinations of them.
Here is some simple advice from the Ayurveda in relation to diet.
1. Eat only when you are hungry.
2. Do not have cold drinks or drink a lot of fluids with your meals. This puts out the fire of digestion.
3. Have your largest meal of the day at midday and your last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime.
4. Make each meal a preparation of love and be grateful for all of your food. Know that it is a gift from nature and God for you. (We may take this for granted, not realizing that every year on this planet 20 million die of malnutrition).
By following some very simple principles from the Ayurveda, your health can improve and you can live a long and prosperous life. Living a full and healthy life does not need to be a puzzle, we may just need a little guidance from an ancient medical science that has been tested through time.
About the Author
The Ayurveda Health Retreat contains a group of dedicated health professionals seeking to combine the best of conventional and ayurvedic medicine. We have an Ayurvedic Practitioner, a Doctor of Naturopathy, an Acupuncture Physician and several Massage, yoga and meditation teachers and Reiki therapists. They have studied Traditional Ayurveda under such great teachers as Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Pankaj Naram, and Dr. Syama. They have been taught the ancient art of Kerala ayurvedic massage and pancha karma.
The main center is in north central Florida in the small historic town of Alachua (20 minutes north of Gainesville and 2 hours north of Orlando). Its Main Street has gift shops, restaurants and many other shops to browse through. There is an abundance of natural beauty in the area. The beautiful wooded parks, crystal clear waters of natural springs, rivers and lakes are only 20 minutes away and are a wonderful place to walk, swim, and connect with nature. The center offers 5-8 and 12 day retreats. Stay from 3-21 days is permitted. For more information visit their site at www.ayurvedahealthretreat.com .
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Self Help at 12:42 am by Administrator
– By Irene Tamaras
Anyone suffering from chronic pain knows how difficult it is to live with and how easily it is to turn to pharmaceuticals, but this is not a good solution for the long-term. At 39, I have suffered with chronic pain from a back injury for 12 years now. The first part of these years were spent trying to find the magic “cure” so that my pain would just disappear and my mobility be normal again. This did not happen. I realized that the magic bullet just didn’t exist and that I needed to start “living” my life despite the chronic pain I lived with and the mobility challenges I faced. Over the years, I turned to various types of alternative medicine and treatments and little by little with time and practice (and an open mind) I created for myself a very workable and successful pain management program. I don’t use any drugs except for Ibuprofen and occasionally with a flare-up some anti-inflammatory injections. I manage my pain using various alternative methods and today I consider myself lucky to be managing not only my pain, but my life successfully. The drug-free pain relief alternative treatments that I recommend are listed below.
1. Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils: Essential Oils are therapeutic medicinal healing substances which are extracted from healing plants and work by penetrating our skin to deliver energetic rebalancing that work on the physical body, chakras, meridians (energy junctions in our bodies), higher spiritual bodies, and our emotions. They are highly effective for pain, inflammation, spasm, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, menstrual pain, and relaxation just to name a few. Essential oils “boost the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and oxygen infusion into the cell” according to Essential Oils Pocket Reference, Essential Science Publishing. Excellent pain-relieving Essential Oils such as Peppermint are effective for blocking pain as shown in a 1994 study by Gobel et al., because Peppermint blocks calcium channels and substance P which are important factors in the transmission of pain signals. Other pain-relieving oils for pain and chronic pain like back pain include Helichrysum, White Fir, Douglas Fir, Spruce, Wintergreen, Basil, Cypress, and Oregano among many others. Please note that the not all Essential Oils sold in the marketplace are therapeutic grade thus their use would not result in therapeutic results.
2. Reflexology: Reflexology the science and Reflexotherapy the method are used interchangeably and it is used to promote healing and relieve aches, pains, stress and tension with benefits ranging from relaxation, releasing waste products, eliminating trigger points, and bringing the body into balance by eliminating energy blockages. Another benefit, according to Carter and Weber’s book Body Reflexology is the production of endorphins or the “feel good hormones” which are chemicals found in the brain whose function appear to be the mediation of pain perception. Although the mainstream definition of Reflexology is that there are specific points in both the feet and hands that correspond to other organs in the body, actually the entire body also has reflex zones and point-reflex zones and that there are many informative connections or information links between the internal systems and the external which is the skin. By stimulating these zones (through the skin) or general areas of the body where you feel pain and not just the hands and feet, the healing process is sped up as the nervous system is activated and Qi (Chinese for energy is released). Through my research, I discovered a product called a Reflexotherapy Applicator which is a self-treatment of Reflexology that can be done privately in the home without seeing a health practitioner. It combines pressure (the reflexology part) and acupuncture (without needles to puncture skin) by lying on the prickly plastic points or applying to the surface of your skin. As the skin is stimulated (it is being irritated from the prickly points) the internal system of the body is activated which then produces physiological changes like improved blood circulation, release of endorphins, release of muscle spasm just to name a few.
3. Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese system of hands on healing and translated means Universal Life Energy which has a positive cumulative impact on overall health. Reiki is extraordinary because “it works for the greatest good” which means the positive energy you receive helps you in all areas of your life, be it health, emotional, business, relationships, etc. I recommend a book by David Vennells, Reiki for Beginners for those who are just starting out because it is clear, concise, and informative.
4. Self - Hypnosis: Hypnotherapy or self-hypnosis is an integral part of any pain management program. It is a wonderful tool that can be learned by anyone. Its benefits are numerous including relaxation, pain-relief, for an energy boost, better concentration, better control of emotional reactions, and a way to unlock the mind/body healing potential. There are great books available such as Healing Yourself with Self-Hypnosis by Frank Caprio, MD, and Joseph Berger which describes simple techniques for self-hypnosis and gives examples of self-suggestion to mediate on to help reduce tension, alleviate pain and more. Also, Hypnosis, A Comprehensive Guide by Tad James, MS, Ph.D., which teaches about the mind/body connection and the unconscious mind as a powerful source for healing potential.
About the Author
Irene Tamaras is CEO of Dynamic Pain Relief, www.dynamicpainrelief.com, a provider of alternative self-help treatments, products, and information for people seeking solution for physical, emotional, and mental challenges. She lives in the Washington Metropolitan Area and graduated from the University of Maryland with a BS in Business Administration and a double major in Transportation and Economics. From her own personal battle with chronic pain and mobility challenges from a severe fall, she has spent a decade seeking out natural and effective ways to manage chronic pain and stress. Irene is a leading expert on Reiki (she holds a 2nd degree Reiki), Reflexology and Reflexotherapy, Qi Gong, Meditation, and Essential Oils. For more information you can contact Irene Tamaras at info@dynamicpainrelief.com or 240-476-4307.
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Yoga at 12:06 am by Administrator
– By Sheri Kauhausen
We all know breath is life. In fact, in yogic philosophy one believes we are allotted a pre-determined number of breaths for our time here on Earth. If breathing is done hurriedly, instead of slowly and relaxed, one’s life is ended prematurely. The breath in yoga is called prana, which means life force or energy. It is stored in the solar plexus and sent through the body to recharge the various parts. Yogic breathing is called pranayama.
The origins of yoga are thousands of years old. Stone carvings that depict yoga postures have been found by archeologists dating back about 5000 years. The word yoga means “union” or “to unite.” In yoga we unite the mind, body, spirit and breath. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of age, gender, religion, or fitness level.
There are very few prerequisites to practicing yoga. Bare feet are essential, as well as loose comfortable clothing. Slow, controlled movements make sure that each posture is performed only to the farthest comfortable depth. Eating a few hours before practice, ensures that you do not have a full stomach nor an empty one. It is important to remember that you should never feel pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you to STOP. Always respect it.
Be mindful of your breath. Your breath should be comfortable and steady while holding postures. During vinyasa (flowing movement) asana (postures), the breath should still be comfortable and steady, but may take on a more forceful quality. If you cannot breathe rhythmically, that is a sign that you are practicing too strenuously. Take a step back and slow down. Do not compete - with yourself or anyone else. This is your practice and your time. Do only what you are comfortable with and hold each posture, or practice each breath, only for as long as you remain in your comfort zone. I’ve heard a saying many times that I particularly identify to yoga. “Do not worry about your destination, enjoy the journey.” Your perfect posture is what you can do today, right now, this minute. Relax…and enjoy your journey.
As we learn to breathe properly it is important to note we are required to use our lungs correctly. Many of us use only 1/5 to 1/3 or our lung capacity, breathing only into the upper portion of our lungs. As we age and acquire more stress and tension in our lives, our breathing becomes less and less integral. Take note of your breathing pattern the next time you are anxious, scared, angry or frustrated. Compare it to a time when you are feeling relaxed, joyful or content. You can affect your emotions with the rhythm of your breath. Slow, relaxed breaths promote harmony and tranquillity.
The diaphragm is the major muscle used for respiration. As the lungs fill during inhalation, the diaphragm descends toward the abdominal organs. During exhalation, the lungs deflate and the diaphragm relaxes. Slow deep breathing allows for a good massage of the abdominal organs as well as strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles.
Each of the following breaths can be performed on its own or along with an asana. If combining the breath with asana, hold the asana for as long as comfortable. If you are a complete beginner, start with about 10 seconds. Gradually increase your holding time. If you are practicing the breath on its own, begin with 5 to 10 breaths. Again, increase the number of breaths as you become more comfortable with it.
The first breath we will look at is the COMPLETE BREATH. It is the basis of all other breathing techniques. In it we learn to slow our breath from a usual 15 to 20 breaths per minute to about 6 breaths per minute. Here we begin to understand how to correctly and completely fill our lungs with the much needed life force or prana. The Complete Breath is an excellent way to begin to reduce tension.
Let’s begin by performing a few Abdominal Breaths, just to see what it feels like to use the lower portion of our lungs. Sit comfortably with your shoulders relaxed and your chin level with the floor. Your back should be erect, but not rigid. Inhale through your nose letting your abdomen expand. Allow your ribs and chest to remain soft and relaxed. Exhale, through your nose, contracting the abdomen and relaxing the diaphragm. Practice this a few times. Be aware of how you feel. With your next breath, begin expanding the abdomen then continue to inhale and expand your rib cage and then fill your chest with breath. Begin to exhale by contracting your abdomen, then squeeze your ribs together and lastly, relax your chest. Continue to breathe in this fashion. This is the Complete Breath and along with reducing stress, it improves the quantity and quality of oxygen that enters your body. It helps to combat shortness of breath, calm the nervous system and the mind, and improve digestion. This is the breath to practice when feeling angry, impatient or nervous. It lowers the blood pressure and massages the heart. As you continue to breathe, notice if you can take the breath into not only the front of your body, but into the sides and back of your body as well.
The UJJAYI BREATH (Victorious Breath) is another traditional yoga breath. It too, richly oxygenates and purifies the blood, lowers blood pressure and is beneficial to those who suffer respiratory problems such as asthma. The Ujjayi breath helps to remove phlegm from the throat and improve digestion. It calms the nervous system and helps to draw the mind’s attention inward allowing the practitioner to stay focused.
The Ujjayi Breath takes the Complete Breath one step further becoming a more dynamic breath. This time as you inhale through your nose, the breath passes across the roof of your mouth to the back of your throat with a hissing sound. It sounds like the flow of the ocean tide. As you exhale, the air is pushed out past the back of your throat, then across the roof of your mouth, out your nostrils. The epiglottis is slightly restricted to obtain the hissing sound. This one is a little tricky and may take some time to perfect.
The third breath is called the KAPALABHATI BREATH (Skull Shining Breath). It is not recommended for those who suffer with emphysema, blood pressure problems or women who are pregnant. This is a very strong abdominal breath. Slowly and fully inhale through your nose. Exhale very quickly through your nose, as though you have been punched in the stomach, by contracting the abdominal muscles back toward your spine. Relaxing the abdominal area, begin another breath repeating the same forceful action for the exhalation. The inhalation should take slightly longer than the exhalation. Many of the benefits attributed to the Complete Breath and Ujjayi Breath pertain to the Kapalabhati. The strong pumping action of this breath also stimulates the liver, spleen and pancreas and helps to relieve constipation.
About the Author
Sheri Kauhausen has been teaching yoga in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1987. She has been an active yoga practitioner for more than 30 years and brings the wisdom of her studies to her students at their work place and in community centers. She also enjoys teaching infant massage and baby sign language to parents and caregivers. Sheri enjoys teaching yoga classes to students at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as to seniors, and pregnant moms. She is the proprietor of INTO YOGA, which offers on-site yoga, pilates, body rolling and massage in the work place.
Sheri can be reached at (604) 421-9872 or intoyoga@yahoo.com. Visit her website at www.intoyoga.ca.
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02.10.08
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Chakras at 11:36 pm by Administrator
– By Charles Lightwalker
Place a crystal at or under the feet when doing this meditation. Its purpose is to open and clear the chakras and create a clear pathway for higher frequency energies as they are brought into your system. It will allow these higher energies to be fully assimilated and prevent problems caused by too much energy in the head or other parts of the body. It will also purify and/or release from your system any negative energy you may have released from storage within yourself or that you may have attracted. By circulating your energy, the negative energy is transmuted in the chakras as it passed through them and may also be released from the chakras. This happens automatically as you circulate it. Hold your tongue to the roof of your mouth and gently contract the Hui Yin points. Then, picture the Crystaline Reiki Power symbol at the navel point and hold your attention there for 30 sec. or up to several minutes. Then move to the next point down and do the same, proceeding around and up the spine to the head and back to the navel using the points on the Crystaline Reiki Chakra Mediation chart. This will open and clear each chakra. Then, run violet white light around this circuit for several minutes or up to a half hour. Picture it moving through each point. The flow is always down the front and up the spine. You may choose to do this as a separate meditation from the complete Crystaline Reiki meditation. It is very soothing and creates a calm balanced state.
About the Author
Charles Lightwalker is a member of The Family of Light, an international mobile healing center, offering healing, channeling, and educational forums around the globe. Charles has studied with shamen and alternative healers for over 26 years. He is a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Master, Ordained minister, Certified religious counselor and Certified Spiritual healer.
You can reach Charles at charleslightwalker@yahoo.com or visit his website www.thefamilyoflight.net .
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Chakras at 11:33 pm by Administrator
– By Charles Lightwalker
Gems & Crystals emit vibrations that affect the wearer’s body. Certain crystal or gem varieties are believed to have positive effects when utilized on particular energy centers or chakras of the body, much like deep therapeutic massage and acupuncture. The 7 basic chakra points of the human body, their locations and general attributes are as follows:
1. Root Chakra
Location: The base of the spine
Physical Association: Adrenal glands, kidneys, spinal column, back, hips, legs and feet Spiritual Aspects: Stability, security, grounding, courage and physical and emotional survival.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Anxious, fearful, angry and frustrated Associated Color: Red
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Cornelian, Garnet, Ruby, Cuprite, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Onyx, Agate, Black Obsidian, Hematite, Fire Agate, Ametrine, Blood Stone and Nephrite.
2. Sacral Chakra
Location: Lower abdomen to navel
Physical Association: Genital area, reproductive organs, bladder, bowel and lower intestine Spiritual Aspects: Creativity, harmony, emotional balance, passion, sexuality, freedom and expression of emotions.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Stiff lower back, restlessness, confusion and sexual blockages Associated Color: Orange Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Amber, Moonstone, Cornelian, Citrine, Golden Topaz, Golden Beryl, Aragonite, Orange Calcite, Selenite, Zircon and Sunstone.
3. Solar Plexus Chakra
Location: Below the ribs to above the navel
Physical Association: Stomach, pancreas and liver Spiritual Aspects: Personal power, strength, sense of self worth, transformation, courage and laughter.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Expression of anger, fear and hate Associated Color: Golden Yellow
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Citrine, Golden Topaz, Green-Yellow Tourmaline, Tigers Eye, Heliodor, Rutilated Quartz, Amber, Sunstone, Malachite, Peridot and Emerald.
4. Heart Chakra
Location: Center of the chest
Physical Association: Heart, lungs and thymus gland Spiritual Aspects: Unconditional love, forgiveness and compassion.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Emotional instability Associated Color: Green
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Rose Quartz, Pink Tourmaline, Rubellite, Rhodochrosite, Emerald, Green Tourmaline, Malachite, Morganite, Kunzite, Green Aventurine, Ruby, Hiddenite, Grossular Garnet, Green Jade, Nephrite, Kunzite, Prehnite, Chrysoprase, Rhodonite, Moldavite, Prasiolite, Watermelon Tourmaline and other natural green gems.
5. Throat Chakra
Location: Throat area
Physical Association: Mouth, throat, thyroid and parathyroid glands Spiritual Aspects: communication, truthfulness, expression of will power and creativity
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Headaches, tension within the neck and shoulder muscles, colds, thyroid or hearing problems Associated Color: Sky Blue
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Apophyllite, Aquamarine, Blue Lace Agate, Blue Topaz, Blue Tourmaline, Celestite, Indicolite, Blue Turquoise, Chrysocolla, Amazonite, Lapis Lazuli, Larimar, Sodalite, Iolite, Kyanite and Zircon.
6. Third Eye Chakra
Location: Center of the forehead
Physical Association: Pituitary gland, pineal gland, skull, eyes, brain and nervous system Spiritual Aspects: Coordination, balance, mental clarity, clairvoyance, intuition, wisdom.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Blindness, headaches, nightmares, eyestrain or blurred vision Associated Color: Indigo
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Azurite, Sugilite, Amethyst, Celestite, Tanzanite, Blue Tourmaline, Sapphire, Lavender Quartz, Purple Fluorite, Charoite, Sodalite, and Iolite.
7. Crown Chakra
Location: Top of the head
Physical Association: Pineal gland, top of spinal cord and brain stem Spiritual Aspects: Spirituality and life force energy.
When The Chakra Point Is Blocked: Depression, alienation, confusion, inability to learn or comprehend Associated Color: Violet or White
Gems & Crystals That Work With This Chakra: Sugilite, Ametrine, Clear Quartz Crystal, Amethyst, Howlite, Moonstone, Lavender Quartz, Rutilated Quartz, Diamond and White Topaz.
About the Author
The Family of Light is an international mobile healing center, offering healing, channeling, and educational forums around the globe. Charles has studied with shamen and alternative healers for over 26 years. He is a Medical Intuitive, Reiki Master, Ordained minister, Certified religious counselor and Certified Spiritual healer. You can reach Charles at charleslightwalker@yahoo.com or visit his website www.thefamilyoflight.net .
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Posted in Alternative Medicine, Articles, Meditation at 11:04 pm by Administrator
– By Conrad Askland
Meditation has been regarded for centuries as a way to get past the everyday stresses of life in order to obtain tranquility, serenity, peace and a sense of calmness. While meditation has been practiced for most of history in Eastern civilization it has only become popular in the Western world in the last few years. Since the reawakening of meditation, many healthcare professionals have discovered numerous other benefits of meditation; many of which are related to improving your health.
Meditation has actually been approved by the National Institutes of health as a relaxation method for the purpose of treating chronic pain as well as insomnia. Surveys conducted have revealed that an astounding 65% of cancer treatment centers provide meditation therapy as an option alongside traditional treatments. According to the NIH, when meditation is performed on a regular basis a patient can experience a reduction in chronic pain as well as other health problems such as cholesterol, high blood pressure, anxiety and blood cortisol levels. In addition, it has been shown to be beneficial when treating patients suffering from substance abuse as well as veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress syndrome.
While individuals new to the concept of meditation may be wary of introducing it into their health regiment, studies have shown that there are only rare complications associated with meditation. In fact, the positive health benefits of meditation are so great that many health care professionals feel they far outweigh the slight possibility of rare negative side effects. Only in rare cases have individuals practicing meditation become anxious, disoriented or experienced negative feelings.
Evidence seems to indicate that meditation is a fantastic way to reduce stress in the mind as well as on the body. This in turn allows the body to return to a healthier state, making it possible for the individual to gain a more peaceful, well-rested night’s sleep-especially for those who suffer from insomnia.
While the effects of meditation on the health of the human body are still underway, the initial results are quite encouraging. For example, studies have indicated that individuals who regularly practice meditation have a better immune response to certain diseases such as influenza. Furthermore, other studies have shown that persons who meditate on a regular basis frequently have more brain activity than those who do not.
There are a number of different ways that you can practice meditation in order to obtain the health benefits previously mentioned. Meditation can be self-directed or it can be led by a doctor or teacher. The most classic form of meditation involves sitting; however if you experience health issues that would make this uncomfortable for you there are other forms of meditation that will reduce the occurrence of cramping and numbness in your legs; common with sitting forms of meditation. The most important things to keep in mind when beginning your meditation is to choose a place that is quiet and free from distraction, but one that allows plenty of light so that you do not run the risk of falling asleep.
Health Benefits of Meditation c2005 Conrad Askland
About the Author
For more information about meditation and how to use meditation to improve your health visit www.meditationsoflife.com.
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10.26.06
Posted in Alternative Medicine, Gift Ideas at 2:50 am by Administrator
Salt lamps have been popping-up in catalogues and stores as one of the hottest holistic trends. The soft light they emit makes them a beautiful accent in any room, plus you get the added benefit that they naturally ionize the air. Every time one of our Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps gets sent to family or friends, we always get a follow-up report on their use. The latest word is from a physical therapist who has been using our salt lamps during her sessions with patients. She says she finds the lamps very soothing. She likes the fact that the natural salt ionizes the air and she also feels the lamp helps balance the energy of the patient. Why not– the lamp’s particles are charged.
These lamps are also great additions anywhere you have a computer, TV or other electronics. They help clean-up electro-magnetic pollution.
One friend of mine didn’t seem too interested in the healing effects of the lamps. He just thought they looked great illuminating his restored Victorian era fireplace. Really, no matter where you put these lamps, they create a healthy, warm and cozy environment.
If you’re shopping for a salt lamp, start here: www.rapunzelgifts.com/slamp. Our lamps are sturdy with a solid wood base. They come with an easy change bulb assembly and a UL approved cord. Best of all, we stand behind them.
If you’ve bought one of our lamps, we’d like to hear from you. Does it help put the baby to sleep, clear up your allergies or just make the room look great? We want to know.
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10.17.06
Posted in Alternative Medicine at 2:28 am by Administrator
Who can resist the clean, invigorating scent of peppermint wafting through the air? Peppermint is fresh and it stimulates the mind while soothing the tummy. I did a lot of research on peppermint, before adding our peppermint themed gift sets to RapunzelGifts.com. I learned that Peppermint was used by the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for its healing and medicinal properties. I knew that Peppermint is commonly used for digestion, including soothing the stomach after a big meal, but I didn’t know it also can help with dizziness and may prevent sea sickness (just in case you’re about to take that cruise!) Peppermint actually raises our internal heat to induce perspiration, thus cooling the body– good for those hot summer days. It also works great for relieving colds and chest congestion. I find peppermint to be very uplifting and I even mix peppermint oil and lavender oil together with salts for a luxurious bath.
Here’s just a few of the many, many healing properties of peppermint:
-Clears the mind
-Helps you focus
-Relieves mental strain, fatigue and stress
Relieves:
Bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, coughs, sore throats, nausea, diarrhea, neuralgia, indigestion, colic, stomach cramp, dyspepsia, flatulence and travel sickness, oily skin, acne, dermatitis, toothache, headache, muscle fatigue, bad breath, acts as an insect repellent.
If you’re looking for a peppermint-themed gift to give, checkout our Cat Energy Box, www.rapunzelgifts.com/cat.html filled with handmade peppermint soap, cucumber-mint bath salts and two rosemary-peppermint candles. There’s also a Breathe Relaxation Box www.rapunzelgifts.com/breathe.htmlfilled with peppermint candles, bath salts, green tea incense and a traveling Buddha.
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