Yesterday I came across this recipe from Ross Bridgeford for what he calls his “most alkalizing smoothie.” And since I just happened to have all the ingredients, I decided to give it a try. It’s a great way to get lots of veggies and nutrients into your system in an easy to digest form….
This smoothie is my absolute go-to most powerfully alkaline ‘meal in a glass’. It is my #1 recommendation if you need to get the acidity out, remove inflammation, lose weight, get rid of fatigue or heal your digestion…
The combination of the powerfully alkaline greens, the healthy fats from the avocado, leaves, coconut and almonds and the incredibly-anti-inflammatory power from the turmeric and ginger…wow.
It tastes great, it takes 3 minutes to make (and 30 seconds clean up) and it will keep you going, wonderfully energized and mentally strong, clear and vital all through the day…
Core Green Alkaline Smoothie
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients:
1/2 avocado
1 cucumber
1/2 cup filtered water or more to taste
2 handfuls of spinach
2 handfuls of lettuce
1/2 bell pepper
1 tomato
1/2 inch ginger
1 cm turmeric
1 tsp coconut oil
Optional: Squeeze of fresh lemon, small handful of almonds (for extra omega 3)
Instructions:
Start by blending the avocado, cucumber, and water to form a liquid base, which makes it easier to blend everything else.
Next, add the almonds (if using), spinach, lettuce, bell pepper, tomato, ginger, and turmeric in that order. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, you might need to grate the ginger and turmeric first.
Squeeze in a little lemon for zing, and serve.
You can sign up for Ross’ newsletter and get his acid/alkaline chart, additional recipes and more at LiveEnergized.com
PERSONAL NOTE: Of course the taste of this is going to vary somewhat depending on the type of lettuce, kind of bell pepper, and actual quantity/size of each ingredient used. I didn’t really measure anything and probably used more water than the recipe calls for, LOTS of lemon juice and I included the optional almonds, plus needed to add some crystal salt to bring it to life. It was still a little too bland for me, so I also added some black pepper, not only for taste, but to help absorb the turmeric, and some hot sauce to give it more kick. HA! Ended up drinking the whole 2 servings over a couple of hours. A great way to start off the morning and feel like you’re already ahead of the game as far as healthy nutrition!
It reminded me a little of my Green Energy Soup recipe, which is still my fave, because I’m such a mint lover and another great way to get lots of good stuff into you body. 🙂
p. s. I used a VitaMix and had no problem with liquefying everything quickly. Not sure how this would be using a regular blender. And my version didn’t turn out the bright green color of Ross’ picture, which reminds me of the green energy soup,…..definitely more “drab” looking. 🙂
And here’s the intro to the 9-part Human Longevity Project series that starts today……
In the coming days, you’ll be learning more about our project and our mission.
From the very start, our goal has been to challenge the status quo and change the paradigm of health care in our modern world.
As you know, we’re currently experiencing a health crisis, particularly in the Western World.
Autoimmune disease and other chronic diseases continue to rise.
So many people are feeling buried by things like depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Maybe you’ve experienced symptoms like these?
Perhaps you’re experiencing them now. These symptoms have become so common that many people have accepted them as normal. We can do better. YOU deserve better.
We embarked on a two-year journey to research why certain populations are living well into their 90s and 100s and doing so with great health, boundless energy, and profound joy. You are the reason we’ve created this documentary.
This link will give you 5 illustrations of 9 Acupressure points
and will also list the great benefits of using these points. Once you click the link, you will find the pdf document in your download folder.
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained health care practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
Here’s lots of good self-help information to have on hand from Michael Reed Gach, PhD for using acupressure points for a cold, flu, sore throat and MORE….
We’re well into the winter season when it is vital to protect yourself from the wind, cold and dampness. Boosting your immune system with Acupressure and keeping your energy flowing is an effective way to ward off many winter ills.
What you eat is also vital for staying healthy. Eating too many sweets and cold foods can make your body receptive to catching colds and sore throats.
Tip for Colds & Sore Throats: A tea made from fresh Ginger Root (available in produce markets, not the candy) can provide your body with the warmth to counteract colds and sore throats. Chop a small handful of ginger root and simmer it for 20 minutes or so. Use this ginger water to gargle with to relieve a sore throat. Sweeten with a little honey to drink as a medicinal tea for colds.
When a cold comes on your shoulders may ache. This is when Acupressure shoulder points, just above the tip of your shoulder blades can help. Firm pressure on TW 15 (shown below) is great for immune boosting, stress reduction, and can help to prevent a cold.
When you feel a cold brewing, place tennis balls on the points shown above. Apply pressure with the weight of your body, whether you’re sitting or lying down. Placing the balls on a soft pillow or on top of your bed can be helpful.
Breathe deeply as these points are pressed for 2 minutes or so. Let yourself deeply relax with your eyes closed for at least 5 minutes immediately afterward to gain the full benefits, and allow your body’s energy to balance.
Here’s more from Michael on using Acupressure for relieving not only colds, flu and a sore throat, but also headaches, neck pain, arthritis, mental stress and a number of other things….
Acupressure Points for
Colds and Flu
Colds are caused by viruses that thrive in your nose and throat when the temperature, acidity, and moisture suit them. When you are run down and your resistance is low, your ability to adapt to environmental changes weakens, making it easier to catch a cold, and the mucous membranes become a perfect breeding ground for viruses. Cold symptoms are the body’s attempt to protect itself from these intruders. When a virus enters your nose, for instance, the body secretes more mucus to flush it away.
Because acupressure stimulates your body to expel the virus more quickly, it may seem at first that your cold is worsening. But your body is simply progressing through the symptoms faster than usual. Although acupressure cannot cure a cold, working on certain points can help you get better quicker and increase your resistance to future colds.
Acupressure Points
for Seasonal Changes
Potent point B 36, called Bearing Support, is especially good for stimulating the body’s natural resistance to colds and flu. It’s located near the spine, off the tips of the shoulder blades. According to traditional Chinese medicine, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin at this point.1 The muscles in this upper back area tend to get tense just before a cold or flu takes hold.2
Recently, one of my best friends, a realtor, was suffering from a bad cold with a stuffy nose, a hacking cough, puffiness around his eyes, and a pallid complexion. He hadn’t slept well the previous two nights because of these discomforts and was very tired. After I briefly massaged his upper back, shoulders, neck, and chest, I showed him how to press the decongestion points underneath the base of his skull and on his face. I also told him to drink ginger tea at least twice a day. When I saw John the next day, he told me he had slept soundly and felt much more refreshed. His eyes looked much clearer, and already he was no longer coughing and blowing his nose.
Potent Points for Relieving Colds and Flu
Drilling Bamboo (B 2)
Location: In the indentations of the eye sockets, on either side of where the bridge of the nose meets the ridge of the eyebrows.
Benefits: Relieves colds, sinus congestion, frontal headaches, and tired eyes.
Facial Beauty (St 3)
Location: At the bottom of the cheekbone, directly below the pupil.
Benefits: Relieves stuffy nose, head congestion, burning eyes, eye fatigue, and eye pressure.
Welcoming Perfume (LI 20)
Location: On either cheek, just outside each nostril.
Benefits: Relieves cold symptoms, fever, constipation, and elbow pain; strengthens the immune system.
Joining the Valley (Hoku) (LI 4)
Caution: This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus.
Location: At the highest spot of the muscle on the back of the hand that protrudes when the thumb and index finger are close together.
Benefits: Relieves colds, flu, head congestion, constipation, and headaches.
Gates of Consciousness (GB 20)
Location: Below the base of the skull, in the hollows on both sides, two to three inches apart depending on the size of the head.
Benefits: Relieves headaches, head congestion, arthritis, neck pain, and irritability.
Wind Mansion (GV 16)
Location: In the center of the back of the head, in the large hollow under the base of the skull.
Benefits: Relieves head congestion, red eyes, mental stress, headaches, and stiff neck.
Third Eye Point (GV 24.5)
Location: Directly between the eyebrows, in the indentation where the bridge of the nose meets the center of your forehead.
Benefits: Relieves head congestion, stuffy nose, and headaches.
Elegant Mansion (K 27)
Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone.
Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, coughing, and sore throats.
Potent Point Exercises
You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a free hand can be effective.
Lie down on your back or sit comfortably.
Step 1
Press into B 2: Use your thumbs on the upper ridge of your eye socket to press into the slight hollow near the bridge of your nose for one minute. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, letting the weight of your head relax forward onto your thumbs.
Step 2
Press St 3 and LI 20: Place both of your middle fingers beside your nostrils and your index fingers next to them; gradually press up and underneath the cheekbones for one minute. You can easily teach this step to your child to help relieve nasal congestion.
Step 3
Press both LI 11: Bend your arm and place your thumb at the- end of the elbow crease on the outside of your forearm. Curve your fingers to press firmly into the elbow joint for one minute. Repeat on your opposite arm.
Step 4
Press LI 4 firmly: Spread your left thumb and index finger apart. Place your right thumb in the webbing on the back of your left hand and your fingertips on the palm directly behind your thumb. Firmly squeeze your thumb and index finger of your right hand together to press into the webbing. Angle the pressure toward the bone that connects with your left index finger, and hold for one minute. Then switch hands.
Step 5
Firmly press GB 20: Now close your eyes and place your thumbs underneath the base of your skull, two to three inches apart. Slowly tilt your head back and apply pressure gradually, holding the position for one minute to fully release these important cold-relief points.
Step 6
Firmly press GV 16: Place the tips of your middle fingers into the hollow in the center of the base of your skull. Keeping your fingers on the point, inhale as you tilt your head back and exhale as you relax your head forward. Continue to slowly rock your head back and forward, and breathe deeply while you hold this important point for relieving head congestion.
Step 7
Touch the GV 24.5: Bring your palms together and use your middle and index fingers to lightly touch the Third Eye Point located between your eyebrows. Breathe deeply as you hold this point for balancing your endocrine system.
Step 8
Firmly press K 27: Place your fingertips on the protrusions of your collarbone, then slide your fingers down and outward into the first indentation in between the bones. Press into this hollow as you breathe deeply and visualize the congestion clearing.
Potent Points for Relieving Coughing
A severe, repeated, or uncontrolled cough can be harmful and you should always consult a physician. Many illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, and chronic bronchitis can become serious if the condition continues unattended.
Sometimes, your physician will find it advisable to attempt to suppress a cough to prevent further irritation of the bronchial tubes. Cough medications may be used, but acupressure can be an effective adjunct therapy. During a coughing fit, many of the large muscle groups in the upper back area can go into a spasm. Specific points on the chest, throat, neck, and upper back benefit the respiratory system, relax your body, and relieve coughs.
Vital Diaphragm (B 38)
Location: Between the shoulder blade and the spine at the level of the heart.
Benefits: Relieves coughing, breathing difficulties, and respiratory problems. This calming point also helps balance the emotions.
Ding Chuan (Extra Point 17)
Location: To the side and a little above the vertebra that protrudes at the top of the spine when the head is tilted downward.
Benefits: Relieves throat problems, coughing, shoulder and neck pain, and thyroid imbalances.
Heavenly Pillar (13 10)
Location: One-half inch below the base of the skull on the ropy muscles one-half inch out from either side of the spine.
Benefits: Relieves sore throat, stress, burnout, overexertion, and heaviness in the head.
Heaven Rushing Out (CV 22)
Location: At the base of the throat in the large hollow directly below the Adam’s apple.
Location: In the hollow below the collarbone next to the breastbone.
Benefits: Relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, and anxiety.
(You do not have to use all of these points. Using just one or two of them whenever you have a cough can be effective.)
Potent Point Exercises
Although many of the following points can be held while you are sitting, it is preferable to lie down comfortably on your back.
Step 1
Hold both K 27 points: Place your fingertips on your chest and firmly press into the indentations directly below the protrusions of the collarbone. This is another point that you can easily teach a child.
Step 2
Use tennis balls on B 38: Place two small rubber balls or tennis balls together on a clean carpet. Lie down, placing the balls between your shoulder blades at the level of your heart. Close your eyes and take three long, deep breaths as you continue to press the K 27 points on your upper chest.
Step 3
Firmly press extra point 17: Slowly roll the tennis balls a few inches higher toward the base of your neck. If the tennis balls tend to slip, or you aren’t using them, Simply use both middle fingers to press this important acupressure point at the base of the neck.
Step 4
Hold both B 10 points and CV 22: Press B 10 on the upper neck with one hand, using the fingertips. Use your other hand to lightly hold CV 22, an inch below the base of the Adam’s apple, pressing lightly at a downward angle. Close your eyes and breathe deeply as you visualize healing energy soothing your throat.
For Sore Throats and Coughing
A small piece of fresh ginger can be one of the most natural and effective ways for soothing a sore throat. Simply place a very thin slice of fresh ginger on the back of your tongue. If your throat is sensitive and the ginger feels hot, use a smaller, thinner piece and place it farther back toward your throat. Keep the ginger in the back of your throat for ten minutes. Repeat with a fresh piece several times a day as needed. A quarter cup of chopped ginger can also be simmered in a few cups of water and used as a tea for soothing coughs and sore throats.
Check out Michael’s acupressure.com site for free articles and videos and information about his on-line trainings .
Also search the Self-help Health archives for more posts on preventing and treating colds, sinus congestion, sore throats and the flu. And check out this simple Jin Shin Jyutsu hold for alleviating a sore throat, boosting the immune system and balancing the whole side of your body all at the same time!
Salud!
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained health care practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
Here’s something I heard about a number of months ago and was curious to try. I started by adding 2″ to the feet at the head of my bed and then went up to 3″ after awhile, with the plan being to get to at least 4″ inches. I think it did help with things, but found that the higher the bed got, the harder it was to actually get IN bed, since the bed was already fairly high. Plus, when I added more inches, there was actually the tendency for my body to slide down toward the foot of the bed, which felt weird. But then I don’t weigh that much, so that might not be an issue for other people. Anyway, I reverted back to the 2″ and think that even that little bit helps, so you may want to give this a try…..
Story at-a-glance
Raising the head of your bed 6 inches so that your you’re sleeping on a 5-degree incline may improve your blood circulation, metabolism, respiratory, neurological and immune function
Inclined bed therapy may also ease symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, glaucoma, migraines, multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea, acid reflux, edema, varicose veins and more
In plants, the interplay between gravity and varying density of fluids is what causes the sap to circulate up and down in a perpetual loop. The same mechanism appears to apply to human biology as well, which is the basis for inclined bed therapy
Sleeping on an incline affects intracranial pressure. Research by a medical anthropologist showed people with migraines were able to eliminate their migraines within a short period of time by sleeping with their heads raised
Archeological evidence suggests some Egyptians slept on inclined beds, and the head on these beds was 6 inches higher than the foot end
By Dr. Mercola
Oftentimes the simplest strategies pay great dividends. Getting sensible sun exposure and grounding to the Earth are two examples. Sleeping on an incline is another. While few have heard of it, and sleeping on a horizontal surface is a well-established norm, raising the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches so that your you’re sleeping on a 5-degree incline may have a number of benefits, including:
Improving blood circulation
Boosting metabolism
Improving glymphatic drainage from the brain
Improving immune system function
Improving respiratory function
Easing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, glaucoma, migraines, multiple sclerosis, sleep apnea, acid reflux, edema, varicose veins and more
The History of Inclined Bed Therapy
Inclined bed therapy was developed two decades ago by Andrew K. Fletcher, a British mechanical engineer said to have “an avid interest in how things work.” He stumbled upon the theory by studying the circulatory system of plants. In trees, gravity pulls the denser sap from the top of the tree downward, which then forces the more diluted sap at the bottom to rise upward.
In other words, the interplay between gravity and the varying density of fluids is what causes the sap, which delivers nutrients within the tree, to circulate up and down in a perpetual loop.
He wondered if the same mechanism applied to the human body, and experimentation and further research convinced him that it does. In the video above, Fletcher performs a simple kitchen demonstration to show how circulation is caused by density changes in fluids. In private correspondence with Nexus Magazine writer Jenny Hawke, Fletcher explained:
“[C]irculation began long before the heart developed, and this primary circulation continues to assist the heart, providing we take the direction of gravity into account. It works on the principle that blood entering the capillary vessels in the lungs provides the water and carbon dioxide that we evaporate with each breath.
The blood therefore must become denser exiting the lungs, then passes through the heart and is injected back into the main artery, effectively adding denser blood to create a pulsatile flow predominantly down towards the kidneys… [T]he blood entering the venous return from the kidneys is always less dense than the arterial blood flowing to the kidneys. This was a Eureka moment of such magnitude it went off the scale for me and instantly gave birth to Inclined Bed Therapy.”
Proper Incline Position
Similar experimentation was used to determine the ideal incline, which he concluded was about 6 inches, or 5 degrees. In one experiment, varicose veins disappeared after four weeks of sleeping on a 6-inch incline, which he took as a sign that “a positive change in circulation” had been achieved. Interestingly, archeological evidence suggests some Egyptians slept on inclined beds, and a Boston Museum curator confirmed that the incline on one of these historical beds was in fact 6 inches.
Now, it’s important to note that sleeping on an incline is not the same as sleeping on an adjustable bed that allows you to raise the head while the lower portion remains horizontal. Fletcher stresses the importance of lying straight, but on an incline. You’re not looking to sleep in a sitting position where only your torso is lifted.
The alignment of your body is important, as you want your blood to circulate freely throughout your whole body and avoid stress on your hip joint. On his website, InclinedBedTherapy.com, Fletcher lists a number of methods for creating an inclined bed. For example, you can build your own wooden bed frame, or use leg risers or full-length foam wedges.
Inclined Bed Therapy for Diabetes
As you can see by the list above, people who have tried inclined bed therapy have reported improvements in a wide array of health problems. When you consider the importance of blood circulation for the healing and regeneration of your body, this isn’t entirely surprising. In her Nexus Magazine article, Hawke recounts a number of different tests and anecdotal evidence supporting the use of inclined bed therapy for conditions as varied as skin disorders and spinal cord injuries.
In a Micronesian study, inclined bed therapy was evaluated to see if it might benefit people with diabetes. In conclusion, the researchers stated that:
“[S]leeping on an inclined bed seems to help efficacy in reducing blood sugar levels with those who were dedicated in controlling their blood sugar levels. Inclined bed therapy may not be effective alone … [T]o be successful … it is recommended that diabetic individuals need to incorporate sleeping on inclined beds with medication, taking some alternative remedies and changing lifestyles by eating a proper diet and doing enough exercise …
Interestingly, all participants listed other problems including: back pain, edema, difficulty sleeping, frequent night urination, snoring, morning light-headedness and pain in joints. All participants claimed to have noticed improvement in all these problems.”
Acid Reflux? Consider Raising the Head of Your Bed
Acid reflux is another extremely common health problem that may be improved through inclined bed therapy. Another term used for this condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Two of the most common causes of acid reflux are having insufficient amounts of stomach acid and/or having a hiatal hernia — a condition in which a portion of your stomach passes through an opening in your diaphragm, which can cause complications in your esophagus.
It can also lead to GERD, a condition in which acid is coming out of your stomach, where it’s supposed to be. There’s a valve between your stomach and your small intestine called the pyloric valve. When the acid in your stomach refluxes over that valve, it causes symptoms that are very similar to that of acid reflux, heartburn being one of the primary ones. Heartburn is a burning sensation that radiates up from your stomach to your chest and throat.
It occurs when food and stomach juices reflux up into your esophagus, which is the tube that leads from your throat to your stomach. It’s typically most bothersome at night, and tends to occur in connection with certain activities, such as eating a heavy meal, bending over or lifting a heavy object, and lying down, especially when laying on your back. While inclined bed therapy will not cure acid reflux, it may reduce the pain associated with lying down.
Success Stories
Among the success stories included in Hawke’s article is a man who, due to a spinal cord injury, had lost all control over his legs. After incorporating inclined bed therapy with his other treatments, he was eventually able to walk between parallel bars. Other success stories include a young girl with cerebral palsy was also able to stand up for the first time after she’d used inclined bed therapy for eight months, and Terri, a woman with multiple sclerosis, who eventually improved to the point that she no longer needed drug therapy.
Hawke writes, “In a 2015 radio interview, Terri reported that her neurologist had recently told her she would have no need for any further appointments as she was better. He had never seen anyone in this situation get better.” Interestingly, inclined bed therapy has even benefited people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In the case of the latter, the woman reported “instant relief” after the first night.
According to Fletcher, results seem to suggest sleeping on an incline helps boost both metabolism and immune function, which could help explain some of these success stories. Sleeping on an incline also affects intracranial pressure. This was the conclusion of research done by medical anthropologist Sydney Singer. Hawke writes:
“His research is based on a 10- to 30-degree elevation of the head, not the whole body, and some impressive results were found regarding the effects of inclined sleeping on intracranial pressure, in particular research into sleep positions as a possible cause of migraines.
‘To our amazement, we found that the majority of the migraineurs in our study experienced relief by this simple sleep position change! Many had no new migraines, after being migraine sufferers for 30 or more years! The results were very fast, within a few days. And there were very interesting side effects, too. Our volunteers woke up more alert. Morning sinus congestion was significantly reduced in most people. Some reported that they no longer had certain allergies.’”
Potential Brain Benefits
According to Singer, sleeping on an incline may also benefit other brain conditions, including ADHD and Alzheimer’s. Indeed, while not mentioned, it’s possible by altering the intracranial pressure you allow for improved glymphatic drainage. It was long believed that the brain was unable to clean itself out, as the lymphatic system does not include the brain.
More recent research has proven this to be incorrect, showing the brain actually has its own lymphatic system that gets into your brain by piggybacking on blood vessels. Amyloid-beta deposits and other toxins are cleaned out of your brain nightly during deep sleep. This waste-removal system is now known as the glymphatic system.
By pumping cerebral spinal fluid through your brain’s tissues, your glymphatic system flushes waste from your brain back into your circulatory system and onto your liver for elimination. Just about anything that hampers the efficient function of your glymphatic system will promote Alzheimer’s, by allowing waste to accumulate in your brain, and it stands to reason that improving this brain detoxification would help prevent Alzheimer’s and other neurological dysfunction as well.
Are You Ready to Try Sleeping on an Incline?
In addition to sleeping on my back with a pillow to support my neck (opposed to my entire head), as recommended by chiropractor and exercise physiologist Dr. Peter Martone, I also changed my bedframe to one that allowed me to elevate the head of my bed to achieve a 5-degree incline. While I have no health problems that would call for this, I find it helps improve my sleep.
When you first start out, you may want to ease into it by raising the head of your bed just 3 inches. Once you’re used to that, raise it to the recommended 6 inches. Going up to 8 inches, which is the maximum recommended elevation, can be tricky, as you’ll start sliding quite a bit. Also, be aware that in some cases you may experience muscle soreness and/or a stiff neck for the first week or two until your body has adjusted to the new position.
Fletcher also recommends drinking more water than usual, as the elevation will decrease fluid retention and enhance urination. This also means your body’s waste removal will be enhanced, so more water is needed to help flush out toxins. Overall, I believe inclined bed therapy can be of all-around benefit for your health and is well worth a try.
There are a number of sources for risers…. Amazon Home Solutions, Wal-mart, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc. The cheapest I found were the CreativeWare™ brand I found on-line at Wal-mart. Be sure you get a style that works with whatever kind of feet your bed has, and I got clear risers, which are less noticeable, if they happen to be showing under the bedskirt.
Salud & sweet dreams!
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained health care practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
Turns out smudging has been proven to clear the air of more than just “bad vibes”……
(image: spiritscience.net)
Smudging has long been recognized as an effective way of removing negative energy and evil spirits, but does this spiritual practice have more to offer? New data reveals a reason that everyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs, should give this ancient cleansing technique a try.
Despite the fact that many Americans view the practice of smudging your home as a ‘new age’ technique, it can be traced back thousands of years to the teachings of the Native Americans, used to cleanse their spirit. Also known as the ‘Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing’, practitioners would burn herbs in a special bowl, the smoke created believed to be the cleansing property. Today, dried herbs tied together known as smudge sticks make the process even easier.
Many view the practice as skeptical at best, questioning whether those who practice today genuinely see any benefit from their efforts, or whether this ‘spiritual shower’ is merely a placebo effect. After all, if we truly believe that negativity has been removed from our lives, focusing on the positive side of life would that not, in turn, evoke the law of attraction, our own positivity, in turn, attracting more? At the same time, if it’s working and bringing more positivity into the world, is it really a bad thing?
If you’ve been wavering on giving this technique a try in your own life, a new study published in the ‘Journal of Ethnopharmacology’ looked closely at the practice of studying and the potential physical impact it may have on our lives. The research team looked at the use of single and multi-ingredient herbal and non-herbal smudging remedies as they were administered across 50 different countries.
Surprisingly, they found the use of smoke as a delivery system was more common than they had previously believed, largely used to address pulmonary, neurological and dermatological concerns. This medicinal use of smoke, the team explained, showed great promise and should be explored by those practicing modern medicine as a potential drug delivery system for many of today’s modern remedies. Furthermore, the team found that smudging was an effective way to cleanse a room not only of negative energy but also of airborne bacteria, improving air quality!
In their research, the team revealed that a 1-hour treatment of the medicinal smoke, created by burning both wood and a ‘mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs’ was effective in removing over 94% of the airborne bacterial populations in the space. This meant that the smudging treatment was equally as effective to, or even more effective than modern antibacterial sprays without the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Adding to the promise, a month after the smudging was completed the bacteria was still undetectable in the space.
As we continue to better understand the impact that many of these pathogens have on our lives, our society pushes the use of these chemical concoctions to kill off as many of these harmful bacteria as we can. However, this data raises the question – are we unnecessarily introducing more chemicals into our lives. Did we have the answer all along? For those that believe in its effectiveness, and it’s hard not to given these facts, smudging may be the safer, all -natural approach to protecting ourselves and our homes!
And here’s a good article that goes into even more benefits of smudging, like stress reduction and allergy relief, plus has in-depth “how to” instructions for those who are new to the practice. It makes the process seem rather complicated and ritualistic, but just follow what feels right to you…..
More research and details on the benefits of smudging can be found in this article from GreenMedInfo.com.
FYI, you can find a variety of smudge packs and other natural remedies at discount prices at iHerb.com (use code CJG192 if you are a new customer and spend more than $40 and you will get $5 off your purchase). Plus, you can take advantage of their wonderful Trial Offer and Specials sections; shipping is free on orders of $20 or more, you earn loyalty rewards cash, AND you get an extra 5% off on orders over $60.
Sivana offers a number of smudge kits and related items, and for those who are looking for a smoke-less way to enhance the air quality in their environment,Vitacost.com, which is another one of my favorite on-line places to shops, carries Heritage Products Aura Smudge. Great discount prices, ever-expanding inventory, free shipping on $49 and up, and if you are a new customer and use the link on my website you will get a $10 off coupon with your first order of $25 or more. Woo-hoo!
Salud!
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
HA! The picture looks pretty gross, but here’s a quick little self-help health tool to try with multiple benefits……
Mustard Foot Mask
This feels SERIOUSLY good! Just grind up 3-4 teaspoons of black mustard seeds and add enough water to make a paste. A 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne powder gives it a little extra bite, but it’s quite warming even without it. Apply for 20 minutes or until your feet feel warm and ready to carry you through another week.
I was just recommending it for tired, sore feet, but it’s traditional use is actually much deeper. When mustard seeds are ground, a chemical and an enzyme come together to form Allyl isothiocyanate, which is irritating to the skin. This is cancelled out if you use boiling water. This chemical pumps the blood to the feet, pulling it through the legs. This stimulating of the circulation creates a ‘second heart’ in the feet. The effects of this in the traditional literature are diverse, but include relief of headache, fever, sore throat, general cold and flu (treatment and prevention), lethargy, cold extremities, toxic overload, and much more. If left in place too long it will badly blister you however, so take it off if it feels like it’s burning too much. I find 20-30 minutes good myself.
Personal Note:One person left a comment on this post that her grandmother always used this on her when she was sick as a child and it never failed to right the situation. And it seems like I remember my “Nana” using mustard poultices for chest colds, etc. I’m definitely going to give this a try, since I tend to have cold feet, especially in the winter, and I think this will feel good, plus possibly have some great side benefits!
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare
I have two events and several other free health-related resources to tell you about today, plus a cute video just in time for Halloween :-)…..
From self-care to kitchen tips, yoga and meditation secrets, and herbal tips and tricks,The Ayurveda Summit can wonderfully change your life.
This event will provide you with what you need to:
Drastically improve your self-care
Get your sleep & bodily rhythms back on track
Boost your self-confidence
Lower stress & anxiety
Navigate your relationships with ease
Dramatically slow the aging process
Learn proven secrets from Ayurveda you can apply to your life right now
Grow your Ayurveda & Yoga business
And much more!
When you sign up you’ll also receive access to 5 bonuses, including a 90 min. workshop with Cate Stillman where you’ll learn about your constitution and the fundamentals of Ayurvedic theory.
Another upcoming event is the 12-part docu-series called The Search for Sustainability……
During this series, which broadcasts on-line between November 1st-12th, 49 sustainability experts, permaculture designers, organic farmers, herbal medics, energy and building enthusiasts, systems analysts, green-politicians, and health educators share potentially world-changing information during this series that simply is not available all in one place anywhere else.
Topics will include:
• Taking back control of our food, health, water, and energy supplies • Implementing simple and no-cost methods for living harmoniously with the land and our surrounding environment
• Learning to grow our own food in a sustainable and regenerative way whether you live in New York, Texas, California, Oregon or any state for that matter
• Collecting and properly using water to build back our water table and end disastrous water droughts
• Utilizing herbal medicines and ancient healing methods to thrive with our health and live longer without prescriptions or medical intervention • Creating and participating in local co-ops, farmers markets, and food growing networks to thrive in our local communities
• Supporting and opening sustainable schools and values-based systems to support the health and consciousness of our children and the next generation
• Learning to thrive in abundance in Urban, Suburban, and Rural communities by making a few simple changes
• Having a deeper and more meaningful spiritual connection to our food, land, animals, and fellow humanity
All this and more will be shared with you at no cost during this series.
You can find out more and sign up for the Ayurvedic and Sustainability events on my websites’s What’s New page. There’s also information there about several other free events, including one on QiGong happening Oct 29th.
Another resource that might be of interest to you as we start to head into the often stress-filled holiday season is this relaxing neck/upper back healing yoga routine with Dasham…..
A thyroid self-test you can do at home from Dr. Alan Christianson….
A free pdf special report from Dr. Nikolas Hedberg about boosting the immune system and keeping colds and flu at bay. At the end it mentions a protocol I have read about before, but never tried…..using 3% hydrogen peroxide in the ears…..
p.s. Be sure to give Self-help Health a follow so you don’t miss out on any future posts. Also check out theTo Your Healthpage at my websiteEvolution Made Easierand my otherblogfor more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
I have been meaning to do a post on Jin Shin Jyutsu for over a year now…..ever since I first started studying and practicing this wonderfully simple, yet complex, Art of Learning To Know (Help) Yourself. I finally got around to doing it when I recently had the opportunity to be a guest writer for the SivanaSpirit.com blog.Here’s my article that they featured….
Jin Shin Jyutsu:The Simplicity of using hands to heal
About a year ago I was reading a blog post that happened to mention Jin Shin Jyutsu.
I wasn’t sure if I’d even heard of it before, but assumed it was something along the lines of Jujitsu or QiGong.
I had already studied and practiced more than my share of energy processes and healing modalities and wasn’t looking to get involved in something new, but still was curious to find out what Jin Shin Jyutsu actually was.
When I got an e-mail a week later saying there was a new Meet-Up group focused on Jin Shin Jyutsu forming in my area, I thought “Talk about synchronicity and serendipity!”
So I signed up to attend, with the thought of going just a time or two to satisfy my curiosity.
I Was Hooked From The Get-go!
Well, here it is more than a year later and I’m still learning and practicing Jin Shin Jyutsu, and no one is more surprised by this than me.
The fact is, I was hooked from the get-go and it’s my favorite energy process of anything I’ve come across so far.
It turns out Jin Shin Jyutsu, or JSJ as I now call it, originated in Japan like Jujitsu, but is NOT a form of martial arts.
Instead, it is a process that works to keep the physical body’s energy pathways clear and the energy balanced and flowing.
It works similar to acupuncture, but without needles, pressure or manipulation.
JSJ is empowering to use, and highly regenerative because it speeds up the body’s innate ability to heal and regenerate itself.
It boosts the immune system, relieves stress and pain, and works to restore and maintain energy levels.
It also helps balance and harmonize our thoughts and emotions, and strengthen our connection with Source energy and “higher” consciousness.
Wow, how cool is that?!
What’s Great About JSJ
What’s great about JSJ is it’s interesting and fun, and simple….yet complex.
You can start using it within minutes of learning some of the basics, but could also spend the rest of your life, if you’re so inclined, delving into the depths of all it has to offer.
I love the fact that many of the holds or processes (also referred to as “flows”) are very easy and quick to learn, so you can begin using them on yourself right away to improve all aspects of your health and well-being.
Plus, you don’t have to adhere to any particular system of thought, it doesn’t interfere with other modalities you may be practicing, and it doesn’t require any special equipment, physical pressure, or massage know-how.
You can use it anytime, anywhere, and it works through clothing, so you can remain fully clothed while doing it.
Jin Shin Jyutsu is all about keeping the body’s energy flowing and in balance…..it can help you feel more energized, but also assist you with falling asleep if/when that’s your goal.
Here in the West, JSJ is referred to as “The Art of Learning To Know (Help) Yourself,” and for me it has really lived up to that title.
By practicing JSJ I have not only learned energy processes that relax and rejuvenate my body better than anything else I’ve tried, but have also come to know (ah, there’s that word!) myself and appreciate my body and the innate power it holds more than ever before.
It’s really nice to realize that my physical body contains an inexhaustible supply of energy, and that just by helping insure that energy is nurtured and given a chance to move and flow, my health and whole life benefit in a variety of ways.
The Hands Have It
With Jin Shin Jyutsu your hands become these wonderful tools for “jumper-cabling” the energy circuits of the body, and just by knowing where and how to place your hands you can release tensions and energy blockages which are the causes of various symptoms and dis-ease.
When one or more of the energy pathways in the body become blocked, this damming effect can lead to discomfort or even pain.
If this energy stagnation goes unaddressed for too long, it ends up not only disrupting the local area of the body, but will continue and eventually dis-harmonize the entire path or paths of energy flow.
Fortunately, JSJ is an easy to use self-help tool for ensuring the pathways remain clear and the energy is free-flowing and harmonized. And you’re working with the body’s own inexhaustible supply of energy, so you’re not having to deal with, or pull in, outside energy.
Mary Burmeister, the woman responsible for bringing JSJ to the US from Japan, said that the only reason we really get tired is mismanagement of the boundless energy source our body contains. And that if we attuned to the body and did what we could through JSJ to insure that our energy is free-flowing and unobstructed, we would never get tired.
It’s as Simple as 1-2-3!
Learning to use some of the holds or flows in Jin Shin Jyutsu is as simple as 1-2-3.
Well, actually sometime it’s as simple as 1, because a key hold or hand position that can help with all sorts of things involves simply grasping/holding (“jumper-cabling”) the thumb of one hand with the other hand.
Talk about simple!
Did you know that by doing this one little thing you can help balance and harmonize the stomach and the spleen, which is the body’s source of “solar energy” and serves to energize all the other organs?!
Holding your thumb also opens up channels for you to receive nourishment on an inner and outer level, not only physically, but also mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
And if you need help falling asleep at night….or getting back to sleep when you wake up too early….just grab your thumb.
This hold also helps dissipate worry, nervousness, stress and tension, so it’s a real godsend of a self-help tool for this day and age! Maybe this is why babies innately know to suck their thumbs to bring them a sense of security and peace.
The Benefit of Each Finger
I just mentioned some of the many benefits of holding your thumb(s), but the other digits are no slouches either!
You’ll probably be surprised to learn that our ten fingers are the keys to 144,000 energy functions, and by holding each finger or thumb for just a few minutes a day you help clean and regenerate over 14,000 functions of the body at a time!
What?! I find that totally amazing!
Hold each for 3 to 5 minutes daily and your whole body will experience a wonderful calming, rejuvenating, balancing and harmonizing effect- and it’s cumulative, so the more often you practice JSJ, the more benefit you receive.
The index finger has to do with functions of the muscular and digestive systems, the kidneys, and the bladder; it can help with teeth and gum issues, backaches, and addictions of any kind, as well as with reducing fear, frustration and mental confusion.
So if you need support with any of those issues, grab that finger and hold!
And the middle finger relates to the blood, liver and gall bladder, and feelings of anger, irritability, indecision or frustration. It can also help with eye/vision problems and relieve fatigue.
So hold this finger to work on any of these organs/areas of the body and particular mental and emotional stresses.
The ring finger relates to the lungs and respiratory system, as well as the large intestine, and holding this particular finger works to rejuvenate and bring balance to those parts of the body.
It can also be used for ringing in the ears, excess mucus, and to relieve feelings of sadness, grief, negativity, and being stuck or having trouble with letting go.
And last but not least, the little finger, or “pinky,” is connected with functions of the skeletal system, as well as the heart and small intestine, and can be used to address bone or nerve problems and heart conditions.
On a mental and emotional level, the little finger relates to trying too hard or overdoing, and can help with feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
Everyone Should Try It!
There’s actually a lot more to each finger and using Jin Shin Jyutsu than what I’ve mentioned here, and that’s one of the things I love about it.
You can learn just a few basics, like holding your fingers and thumbs, and gain a lot of benefit; at the same time, you could study and practice JSJ for years and always feel there is more to learn and understand.
I’m so enamored with Jin Shin Jyutsu that I think everyone should know about it and give it a try. And I look forward to sharing several more easy to learn JSJ processes in a future post, including my favorite flow that is sooo relaxing and works to balance all the energy in the body.
You can do it while lying comfortably in bed, and even fall asleep during the process and still have it be effective. HA! Maybe Jin Shin Jyutsu should be called the lazy (wo)man’s “art of learning to know (help) yourself.”
I mean really, how many things do you know of where you simply hold a finger…and can even fall asleep in the process, and are still helping everything from assuaging fear to expanding cosmic consciousness?!!
So if you’d like to know more about this gentle, yet profound, art and energy process, stay tuned for my next post on JSJ. I also recommend reading The Touch of Healing by Alice Burmeister and checking out Astrid Kauffman’s Flows For Life site.
FYI, if you haven’t heard of Sivana Spirit before, I highly recommend you check out their site. They carry some wonderful yoga, meditation and spiritually-inspired clothing, gifts and beautiful jewelry with healing properties. You can use the link on my “Resources” website page and get a discount on your first time purchase AND help support this blog in the process! Yea! Everybody wins. 🙂
And check out this related Self-help Health post for information on using Prime Mover, another great JSJ hold to know about!
Salud!
p.s. Be sure to give Self-help Health a follow so you don’t miss out on any future posts. Also check out theTo Your Healthpage at my websiteEvolution Made Easierand my otherblogfor more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
Okay, I have to admit that when I saw an article this morning by Alternative Daily titled “Does Your Yogurt Contain Rat Poop?” they had me at “hello”….or in this case, “rat poop.” I’ve known most yogurts on the market are not good for you and often wondered if the people eating them know they aren’t really choosing something healthy. But apparently the situation is even worse than I thought. Eye-opening!
Dairy is a dietitian’s favorite ‘health food.’ Weren’t we all told to drink our glass of milk with dinner as kids? And, don’t you reach for a cup of Greek yogurt when you want a healthy snack?
The truth is, today’s mass-produced, over-processed dairy is not the same nutritious elixir our great-great-grandparents drank. Before agriculture came around (a relatively short time ago in terms of human history), humans weren’t drinking any other animal’s milk after being weaned from the breast.
Therefore, it’s logical to conclude that we aren’t very well suited to consume and digest dairy foods – especially not in their modern state, and not as a dietary staple, as the average person does today.
Common health issues caused by commercial dairy foods
Dairy is known to sometimes cause digestive distress, and it may contribute to inflammation and allergic conditions. It’s estimated that up to 40 percent of acne cases can be attributed to a dairy allergy. If you think it is the fat in milk, think again. Studies have shown it’s actually skim milk that has the strongest links to health issues such as acne.
Dairy also encourages the production of mucus in the body. Try dropping dairy for a week and see if your chronic sniffles and phlegm clear up – seriously!
Finally, dairy contains inflammatory proteins such as casein and whey, which are known to contribute to chronic inflammation. This may in some cases lead to conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune illnesses. Organic coconut milk (packaged without BPA) and homemade almond milk can be good substitutes.
The problem with yogurt
The vast majority of us reach for yogurt when we wanted a healthy, filling snack. However, mainstream commercial yogurt has a number of issues that gets it kicked off the healthy foods list.
First of all, commercial yogurt is made from pasteurized, skimmed, homogenized milk. This means the milk is pushed through tiny holes, spun at high speeds, and boiled at high temperatures. These processes effectively destroy or denature many of milk’s natural nutrients, fats, proteins and enzymes.
Then, some active yogurt culture is added back in afterward, which inevitably is only one or two strains out of the potentially hundreds that can occur in natural yogurt. Sometimes these can even be patented strains of bacteria engineered in a lab, such as the one used in a certain highly popular brand of yogurt, which is engineered from rat poop.
This form of bifidobacteria, scientifically known as Bifidobacterium Animalis, is slickly marketed as B. Regularis. It’s sourced from animal feces and is not naturally found in the human digestive tract. It has been shown to be technically safe to consume, and does in fact increase the speed at which material moves through the gut and out the other end.
However, because of its animal origin, it doesn’t colonize the gut or improve long-term health. Rather, it orchestrates a consistent purchasing habit of this particular brand of yogurt, because as soon as you stop eating it, the good effect disappears.
The second problem with yogurt is that other additives such as thickeners and sweeteners are often used to make it palatable. In its natural form, yogurt is a tart and sour food. This doesn’t sell a lot of product, so pseudo-food ingredients like carrageenan and guar gum are added to improve texture, and sugar is piled in for better taste.
Look out for sugar veiled under healthy-sounding labels, such as ‘organic brown rice syrup’ or ‘agave syrup,’ which have been shown to be just as unhealthy as high-fructose corn syrup.
Check out the nutrition info next time – you might be surprised to see that your yogurt contains more grams of sugar than that “healthy protein” you were looking for. Also, check the label for B. Regularis.
If you’re looking for better alternatives for your family, try swapping your commercial yogurt for real food options, such as homemade coconut milk yogurt or banana-chia seed pudding.
Real yogurt made from *organic milk can also be healthy – but it may be best to keep the dairy in moderation.
Also, a quick tip about a free webinar on April 16th at 10 am ET on migraines and headaches…
Medical Medium Anthony William will be sharing secrets behind these painful conditions and how to not only get relief, but also prevent future suffering. In this webinar, you’ll learn:
The true causes of migraines & headaches
How to prevent migraines & headaches
Why some people are susceptible to getting migraines & headaches
Techniques to decrease pain and quicken healing& recovery
Foods & Supplements that help stop migraines & headaches
If you know anyone who would benefit from this information, direct them to www.medicalmedium.com/register to reserve a spot. The webinar will be recorded and emailed to them after the event, so if they are unable to make the live call time.
Salud!
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new websiteEvolution Made Easierand blogof the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
In a blog post at the beginning of the year about free health resources I included a video of David Wolfe and his “Health Tips for 2015.” One of the things he mentioned/recommended was getting inverted daily. I’m glad he brought it up because it’s something I haven’t been doing for awhile. I’d forgotten that Plow Pose and Supported Shoulder Stand, as well as other yoga poses involving inversion, are known for providing a wealth of benefits. Since watching to Wolfe’s video I have tried to be more conscious of “turning my world upside down” on a regular basis. Have even made use of the inversion table at the chiropractor’s whenever I happen to have an appointment.
But I have been wanting to find out more about how and why inversion is so good for us, so I was pleased when the following article from Be Well Buzz recently came my way…..
(photo: calvinchristian.mb.ca)
12 Health Benefit of Inversions
Can you believe that standing upside down could actually help your body and your mind? Yes, inversion represents the quiet side of fitness and can significantly help to relieve many forms of back and neck pain.
What Is Inversion Therapy?
Inversion is the pose in which you hold your heart higher than your head. Inversion therapy helps your body to recover from the compressive effects of gravity and daily activities. Scientifically, it has been proven to be quite advantageous for cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems. In fact, inversion is a perfect exercise for the body as a whole.
What Are The Health Benefits of Inversion Therapy?
Inversions are so effective that the US Army is planning to include it in its physical training. You can achieve a lot of benefits by inverting 3-5 mins every day. One of the most shocking facts about inversion is that bats and sloths are the only creatures on earth who will never suffer from osteoarthritis. This is because inversion is in their natural habitat. So, if you have a family history of osteoarthritis, then make sure you start inverting from today.
In case, you are not able to invert on your own, you should try leaning against the wall while inverting that will also give you the same advantages. An inversion table and/or gravity boots are amazing as they can help you easily alleviate debilitating back pain and other health issues without surgery or drugs.
Relieves Spinal Pain
One of the basic advantages of inversions is that it relieves spinal pain to a great extent. It enables a person to have a better posture. Since the spinal cord is the most important part of the body, which affects how the person sits and stands; inversion can help improve the outlook of a person.
Improves Blood Circulation
Inversions increase the blood flow to the brain, giving it more oxygen and nutrients and making the brain function faster and better. This improves concentration, memory, observation and boosts clear thinking. Standing inverted actually makes the brain work better. According to Dr. Robert Martin, the author of The Gravity Guiding System, Turning the Aging Process Upside Down, the brain operates 14% more accurately when the brain is operating on an inverted, inclined plane. Inversion also helps move the stagnant blood in the body because you are standing against gravity when you are inverting. It forces the blood to move which would not do so standing in a straight position.
Controlling Indigestion
Inversions are the yogic approach to control indigestion. Indigestion, which may cause anxiety and skin disorders, is considerably improved when one practices inversions.
Decreasing Mood Swings
Standing upside down can actually make you feel better! When blood circulation gets fine, this releases neurotransmitters and balances the hormones which make a person feel light-hearted and more happy than usual. So, if you are really sad, try doing inversions! It might make you feel a lot better! This is said to control depression, premenstrual symptoms and mood swings.
Inversions increase the ability of a person’s body to fight off diseases. Since it cleans the blood, an overall healthy feeling is maintained.
Countering Insomnia
Inversions also help to decrease insomnia. When your mind is all relaxed and in high spirits because of the healthy blood flow, you will be able to sleep better. When inverting, muscle tension decreases by 35%. This is one of the reasons why a person can sleep better after inverting.
Look Beautiful and Feel Beautiful
This is an amazing benefit of inversions. Inversions can actually make you beautiful. When a person’s posture is improved through inversion, it shows grace, poise and sophistication. Good circulation will automatically bring brightness to the skin, making the person look younger than he/she originally is. Acne and other skin conditions will also tend to decrease with performing inversions.
Flexibility
Inversion makes the body flexible and adaptable to changes. A flexible body remains healthy and strong, even when it reaches old age.
Maintaining Proper Posture
For athletes or workers who perform a lot of physical work, inversion is the best way to keep the spine in proper posture. It will also reduce tiredness and will gain back your strength after a workout. Inversion therapy works wonders for the lower back pain caused by this physical work. It also helps reduce muscle pain.
Strengthening Bones
Inversion helps to make ligaments strong which are one of the basic elements of your bones. Ligaments hold your bones together. When they’re strong, you will often be saved from a bone breaking accident.
Stress Therapy
Inversion is an amazing therapy to counter stress. When a person is under a lot of stress, his body tends to revolt with back pains, headaches and joint muscle pains. Physiotherapist LJ Nosse did a study titled ‘Inverted Spinal Traction’ published in Arch Phys. Medical Rehab 59: 367-370, Aug 78. The study confirmed that inverting decreased muscle tension by over 35% within the first 10 seconds! When muscle pain is gone, stress reduces. As a result, the person feels lighter and happier, ready to face the challenges in life.
Maintaining Height
A lot of people will shrink over time as old age approaches. Inversion can help stop that and retain your original height.
Inversion therapy is one of the “after yoga therapies” which carries immense benefits. Even when you do it the first time, the psychological feeling of turning your body against its natural position will be enough to lift you up both physically and mentally.
NOTE:Check with your yoga teacher and doctor if you have a chronic condition such as high blood pressure, glaucoma or epilepsy, which are contraindicated for yoga inversions.
Authors: Larry & Oksana Ostrovsky, founders of BeWellBuzz, are Life Upgrade Coaches committed to helping individuals navigate through the latest natural health and personal development information to a destination of optimal wellness.
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Related posts you may want to read about various yoga poses involving inversion and the benefits they offer:
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new website Evolution Made Easier and blog of the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
I thought this would be a perfect time to put together a post on frankincense and myrrh, although I have to admit that, other than a reference to them in the story of The Three Wise Men, I knew little about them. I knew I loved the smell of a frankincense and myrrh Zum bar of soap someone gave me years ago, but it wasn’t until recently that I was even aware that boswellia and frankincense were the same thing.
Anyway, there’s a lot more to this dynamic duo than just a great scent. Yes, those two wise men were definitely on to something good, as Nick Polizzi of The Sacred Science reveals in this article …..
Frankincense and Myrrh Still a Wise Gift of Health
Frankincense:Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carter
Dating back to Sumerian times, this fragrant resin was often transported via large caravans across the desert from eastern African and Arabian regions, including Yemen, Oman, Ethiopia and Somalia. Its use as a medicine most likely started with the ancient Egyptians who also charred it to make the famous black kohl eyeliner that adorned the faces of their noble women. Frankincense is central to almost every major religion from this region of the world, but its healing value often goes unmentioned in the history books.
For starters, frankincense oil has been used for millennia to help balance out the emotions and achieve a happier, more connected life. Modern science tells us that frankincense is rich in compounds known as sesquiterpenes, that have the ability to pass the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the region of our brain that controls our feelings. One of the most common biomarkers of this plant, incensole acetate, is a known anti-depressant that has shown very promising effects.
The oil is also extremely beneficial for the skin and hair. It can be applied topically to treat dry skin, smooth out wrinkles, and strengthen hair roots. After battle, it was often relied upon to disinfect wounds, sooth muscle pain and reduce swelling. Because of its known anti-inflammatory properties, frankincense oil is often prescribed by naturopaths to treat patients who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Fun fact: archaeologists found frankincense resin in King Tut’s tomb in ancient Egypt. A truly medicinal treasure!
Like frankincense, myrrh is native to Northern Africa and the Middle East, including Ethiopia and Yemen. This revered plant resin actually appears in one of the oldest Egyptian medical texts, Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to 1550 B.C.! This is a clear testament to how popular it was among ancient cultures for its curative effects. But why?
Beyond its use as a fragrance and for embalming purposes, early civilizations saw that it possessed quite a few healing properties. The Egyptians bought boatloads of it from the Phoenicians for use in skin salves that were applied to wounds, sores and burns. By this time, early doctors had already recognized myrrh’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, and it was prescribed for a wide array of physical ailments, including: cough, asthma, indigestion, rashes and scrapes, burns, skin infection, hemorrhoids, joint pain, and sore throat.
It was also used as a rejuvenating facial and massage treatment for women.
Both of these sacred substances have endured quite a journey over the past five millennia. They were even forbidden by certain religions for quite some time because of their association with pagan rituals – but it’s hard to keep a good medicine under wraps. Frankincense and myrrh are now celebrated worldwide for their religious significance, but it is up to us to spread the word about their extreme healing potential and put them to good use!
If you are feeling adventurous and would like to create your own healing balm from these two timeless herbs, a recipe is included below.
How to make your own skin balm with frankincense and myrrh:
(Makes about 3 cups)
To make this recipe, you will need either a slow cooker or double boiler. If you don’t have either, you can fashion yourself a makeshift double boiler using a metal or glass mixing bowl and slightly smaller pot filled with a bit of water.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups olive oil
20 drops frankincense essential oil
20 drops myrrh essential oil
2/3 cup beeswax
4 glass or metal sealable containers
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Construct your double boiler or slow cooker and bring to the appropriate low heat.
• Add the olive oil and allow to come to temperature. About 7 minutes.
• Add the beeswax, stirring until dissolved.
• Add frankincense and myrrh essential oils and stir gently for 5 minutes.
• Pour into storage containers. Leave the lids off until fully cool.
Once you allow this fragrant oil to cool for about 20 to 30 minutes, it will firm up into a nicely textured balm that you can apply directly to the skin.
FYI, you can sign up for a free e-book on The Sacred Science’s site that contains information about the healing/medicinal herbs and plants of the Amazon Rainforest.
And more on frankincense/boswellia and myrrh, excerpted from an article bySuzy Cohen…..
……Boswellia herb is always in my home. I will often buy the ingestible powder at my local apothecary Rebecca’s in Boulder Colorado. I grind it in my coffee grinder for 5 seconds, and then encapsulate the finely ground powder. You can certainly buy commercially-prepared brands of this, you don’t have to hand-create it like me!
Boswellia has been studied and found to prevent the growth of certain types of cancers in ‘test tube’ studies. In 2009, researchers examined AKBA or “acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid” and found positive benefits. This is not the first study to suggest anti-cancer properties. The results of another study proved that frankincense oil could help with bladder cancer. The researchers concluded, “Frankincense oil might represent an alternative intra-vesical agent for bladder cancer treatment.”
Now, it’s time for myrrh which is another resin extracted from the Commiphora myrrha tree. Research confirms the presence of guggulsterones in myrrh which may help with cholesterol ratios, specifically by lowering LDL. Guggulsterones are blood thinners so be careful and don’t combine with aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin or other blood thinners. One more thing, pregnant women should avoid myrrh, since it’s a uterine stimulant.
Most of the time that people talk about myrrh, they are referring to a topical form used to soothe your skin and help with gingivitis. So profound is myrrh’s ability to heal damaged tissues, Greek soldiers carried it into battle with them to use for skin infections and gangrene. Myrrh is a strong anti-bacterial, anti parasitic and anti-fungal. If you want to take it internally, you can look for herbal extracts, like the one made by Herb Pharm. Just like it’s relative frankincense, myrrh also possesses strong anti-cancer properties. A Chinese test tube study published in 2013, found that “cycloartane-type triterpernoids” could destroy prostate cancer cells. Pretty impressive! In fact, just inhaling the scent of pure frankincense or myrrh can cause your brain and heart to respond favorably. Centuries may go by, but it’s clear that frankincense and myrrh are still a wise gift of health. For a nice sampler package of frankincense and myrrh oils, soap, bath salts and more, take a look at my favorite *Zum brand. My friend gave me this as a gift and I just love it.
Now, if you want to see how I use these 2 impressive herbs in my own life, watch this short video:
*Interesting that she mentions the same brand that got me hooked on the frankincense/myrrh smell combination years ago. I have continued to buy the soap, but didn’t realize there was a sampler package, so I immediately went on-line to check it out and found the best price at iHerb.com, one of my favorite places to shop (use code CJG192, if you’re a new customer, and you’ll get money off your first order). Can’t wait to try all the different products, plus it’s a nice little holiday gift to myself. 🙂
Want to know more about how frankincense can help with oral health, cancer and the effects of chemotherapy, colds and flu, stress reduction, pain and inflammation, digestive problems, hormone balancing, deeper sleep, and skin health, including acne, sagging and scars? Check out this article by Dr. Josh Axe:
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new website Evolution Made Easier and blog of the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
Colds are caused by viruses that thrive in your nose and throat when the temperature, acidity, and moisture suit them. When you are run down and your resistance is low, your ability to adapt to environmental changes weakens, making it easier to catch a cold, and the mucous membranes become a perfect breeding ground for viruses. Cold symptoms are the body’s attempt to protect itself from these intruders. When a virus enters your nose, for instance, the body secretes more mucus to flush it away.
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