Balance, elusive balance

Most of us feel like we are walking a fence - desperately trying to balance all of the needs of our families, the demands of our jobs, the upkeep of our homes and material goods, and still maintain some semblance of self... mind, soul, and body.

... And then the Holidays hit... making everything more complicated and giving you even less time to do it in.

So how do you keep from going absolutely insane? I mean really loosing it and checking in as a long term ward at a mental institution?

I rely on a few steady standbys. Productive lists and backtracking, purposefully scheduling me-time, deliberate sense of humor and humanity, and strong focus on joy.

Wait! Don't stop reading yet, many of these things will be familiar to you. However, you might just be familiar with them but not actually be practiced in applying them to your life. Kinda like watching someone bake or decorate a cake - you are familiar with the process but the experience is not in your own hands and you are clumsy when you try to do it yourself the first several times.

1) Productive lists and backtracking. Take ten minutes the next time you feel panic rising. WRITE down, yes, physically, what it is you are scared of, overwhelmed by, and work to understand it. Look at it from several angles. Ask someone you trust, two heads are better than one. Are they tasks? - break it down into steps - WRITE those down and give each one a due date. Is it an event? - Is there anything you can do about it? WRITE it down. The actual secret is to WRITE it down so it is visible - generally humans do better with visual clues (and cues). Trust me, this one is huge. When I was in the Navy, everyone carried a little jot journal. It was about 2 by 4 inches and always accessible. The base commissaries sold thousands of them. Make your thoughts tangible, by making them visible, then dealing with them productively, you will have freed up mental space and so much energy.

2) So you have successfully got your lists of what to do, and when, planned it on a calendar by backtracking, and now you can see your time available. DON'T WAIT, plan yourself some downtime. Know you need your hair done, think you want a new Christmas dress, suspect you will be desperate for an escape with your honey, know a hot stone massage would restore flagging spirits, have you scheduled in physical exercise? PLAN IT ahead of time. Put it on your calendar, book it, and know that you have these rewards sprinkled throughout your month. (These tips work for any time of the year, but I find I need all my skilz this time of the year.)

3) This is the silly season, you have no idea what someone else's life is like on the inside. Look for humor, deliberately focus on how something could be funny. Don't take slights personally, you have no idea what that person might be going through. I have had people deride my business and me until I felt like the lowest untouchable... only to get a peek into their lives and realize that they were responding from a pit of despair. Things can always be worse, there is always something to laugh at, know your worth, and that you positively affect those around you.

4) Keep joy in your heart, sometimes this is hard, really hard. You will have to trust me on this one too. A little Pollyanna-attitude never hurt anyone, find joy in every little thing. Your life will be richer, you will be happier, you will make others around you happy, it is an upward spiral that takes a little work but is definitely worth it.
  
Please feel free to add your suggestions as well at the end of the blog.

Kiss of Death

How appropriate that we are bearing down on Halloween and this article is about toxic sludge slowly poisoning our bodies, twisting our minds, causing blindness and disease...

Sounds like science fiction right? Or at least one of those B-movies where the lead is given to some chick purely for how loudly she can scream and bonus for a modicum of sex appeal. However, let me introduce you to an alternate reality, that will probably make you angry and shocked, or leave you completely agog...

Like thrusting your hand into a dark box... no telling what you will pull out - maggots? (white rice), worms? (cooked spaghetti), how about eyeballs? (peeled grapes) - because many cosmetic companies don't include these compounds on the label for two reasons. One, some of these chemical inclusions are a mistake, meaning they are 'accidentally' added as contaminates, and companies don't label what is unintentionally added. Kinda like meningitis being 'accidentally included as a contaminate' with anesthetics? Second, because make-up is not intended to be ingested, there is no legislating body that specifically requires cosmetic labeling. Also companies claim that it is proprietary information (there is now a move for more kiss-and-tell labeling but... we shall see when that transpires).

Ok... so who thought that loophole was a good idea? Because any woman knows that you end up eating your lipstick, your mascara and eye liner run into your eyes, and thanks to the amount of times you exfoliate your face so that the foundation will lay right, those chemicals have an easy way in too.

Foundation cream or powder is meant to smoothe the complexion, cover imperfections in the skin, and set a neutral color across your face for the other colors to be applied atop of. It usually includes; arsenic, cadmium, BHA/BHT, coal tar dyes (p-phenylenediamine and other colors listed as 'CI' and followed by 5 numbers), DEA/TEA/MEA, any pthlalate, formaldehyde (which comes in an incredible range of compounds), all parabens, PEG compounds, petroleum, fragrance/parfum/perfume (many of these are distilled using hexane), antibacterial compounds, SLS, and more!

The cadmium is what really astounded me, I used cadmium for several research projects in grad school to illustrate it's effect on reproduction and general health. I almost find this laughable, I specifically chose this toxin because of it's wide ranging effects, the incredibly low effect-dosage, and it's benign reputation... most will think, 'Hey that cadmium is in my daily vitamin, it's gotta be fine, right?'  For crying out loud, OSHA recognizes it as a toxin and possible carcinogen, says route to exposure is absorption through the skin or respirable, and that the dosage necessary to observe an effect is low.

Unfortunately in this case it's not as simple as buying high-end cosmetics and assuming you will be fine, as Clinique and L'Oreal are some of the top offenders. You also have to watch out for 'green washing,' a term describing how advertisers use words like 'natural,' 'eco-,' 'bare,' 'free'... to give a false sense of safety. (I.E. L'Oreal's mascara, Bare Naturale, has arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, and a host of supporting actors.) 

On the positive side? There are good brands out there, you just have to shovel through some... information. I love my 100%Pure that we carry in the shop and, in my humble opinion, it is easier to control for contaminates in fruit than minerals (think you are safe with a mineral make-up? Just a quick google please...) Miessence is a good line as well. Just one last cliffhanger to leave you with: why do more women then men go blind? Why do more women suffer from senility than men?

*That's it for now folks, and I apologize for the abrupt end... had fully intended to cover most of the cosmetics in this blog, however there is so much information to share I feel several shorter articles are the way to go.

1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2104453/Cadmium-mascara-lead-lipstick-arsenic-eyeliner-The-ugly-secrets-beauty-industry-isn-t-telling-you.html
2. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/health/science/toxics/dirty-dozen-cosmetic-chemicals/
3. http://www.national-toxic-encephalopathy-foundation.org
4.  http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0020.html

Cold Season Care

Cold Season Care

 

The fall leaves are beautiful, the air is crisp, sweaters are cuddly, and football means that there is finally something watchable on tv most days of the week. What's not to love? How about the onslaught of sneezing, sniffling, coughing, watery eyes, aches, and pains? In other words the cold and flu season** is here and going to keep us company until next spring.

Last winter I made the commitment not to buy any conventional OTC cold/flu medications. I hated the way they made me feel, I hated the price, I hated the taste, I hated the companies that made them, I hated how I always seemed to have to go out and buy more just when I felt the most punk... So last winter I decided to put my foot down and tell my long-suffering husband that we were jumping off the cold care bandwagon. It felt right, but I wanted to know for sure, so I did a little research into the ingredients lurking in those iridescent bottles of blue (or green or orange) syrup.

Ah. Well then. Prepare to have your mind blown. Did you know that acetaminophen is a by-product of the coal industry and that during the process of metabolization turns into a cannabinoid? Yep, what you're thinking. Dextromethorphan HBr is what is listed on several brands' bottles but the body breaks it down further into levorphanol which is a pain killer 5x more powerful than morphine. Amazingly just 12x the normal dose can give you psychedelic highs. Doxylamine succinate is a sedative more powerful than most prescription hypnotics and is the second strongest antihistamine (behind benadryl). Information regarding guaifenesin varies widely (irrespective of dosage or isomers) from low toxicity to very toxic to specific organs when taken internally... So no worries there... Let's not even delve into the artificial colors, corn syrup, thickeners and preservatives.

Even if you are a proponent of better living through chemistry and have complete faith in our regulating government body, the FDA, you have to ask yourself what these compounds are actually doing while they are swimming around in your system? The answer is that they only mitigate the symptoms, they don't support the body, they don't decrease the length of your cold/flu.

So what's an informed consumer to do? Arm yourself with knowledge and then make an informed decision about your health! There are many good books on the subject of helpful herbs for internal use.

Once a cold has reared its ugly head some of my tried and true internals include: echinacea, golden seal, garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, zinc, cayenne powder, cinnamon, and marsh mallow. An easy way I have found to dose myself is by taking a cup of tea an hour. I like the Seasonal Herb Sampler by Traditional Medicinals (no I am not being paid an endorsement fee). To ease breathing I like steaming, either over a bowl of water with a towel over my head to keep the steam in or Vicks makes a great electric personal steamer. The trick is to use an effective essential oil mix, I use 100%Pure Eucalyptus vapor bath, its easy, strong, natural and already mixed. Neti pots are also helpful. Find foods that are loaded with vegetables and strong flavors, think blazing Thai, that will help clear nasal passages and increase circulation. Now there are some good eucalyptus and camphor natural cough lozenges.

For aching muscles a hot soak in a tub is great, add anything that has a detox action or works for sore muscles. I like rosemary (again 100%Pure has a great rosemary muscle soak) and mustard. A massage can be very helpful, but it varies person to person.

Proper rest, hydration, diet, and stress-management are all important factors in preventing and caring for colds/flus. During school and the holiday season it takes even more self-care to stay on top of your game. Make sure to sanitize your hands during the season and do NOT touch your face unless your hands are clean.

Ironically paper tissues are more abrasive to nasal tissue than cloth and are not any more sanitary when proper hygiene guideline are followed. The plus side is you won't resemble Rudolf and you can save trees at the same time. 

**Incidentally did you know that it is now believed that both flues AND colds are caused by viruses, the only difference being the severity? http://nccam.nih.gov/health/flu/ataglance.htm
***I used many sources, including MSDS write-ups of all compounds listed. As with any thing I write, don't take my word for it - look it up yourself. Remember, READ THE INGREDIENT LIST ON EVERYTHING YOU BUY. If you don't know what it is, don't buy it. At the very least find out what the unknowns do, how they are made, and what the body does with them.
**** I am not a doctor, I am not prescribing medicine, dosages, or suggesting that you stop your doctor prescribed medications.

Multi-Use Cups

Cupping improves lymphatic flow and look of cellulite

Originally an ancient Chinese technique, cupping as a body therapy spread to the Egyptians, then the Greeks, and on into Europe. Traditionally, flame and animal horn were used to suction up several inches of tissue to release stagnation within the body. While the efficacy as a self-care technique never caught on in the Western world, breast pumps today utilize the application of negative pressure.

Cupping massage can be applied using glass cups with flame or an attached synthetic pump, either wet (involving blood-letting) or dry. Cups are applied to the skin and either left in place (static) or moved across the body with oil.

Cup kisses from static cupping

Static or deep cupping can leave bruises behind, called cup kisses. If the user is attempting to break down cellulite, widespread bruising may occur. However, a lighter, more thorough touch is appropriate for lymphatic work and does not typically cause any bruising at all.

Cupping should be done once a week to give lasting results.
Stay tuned for Cupping #2, including photos from our Cupping Workshop August 26th. If you would like to learn more about cupping and how to apply this technique at home, feel free to register on this page.

Need to Brush Up on Dry Brushing?

Dry brushing has been credited with everything from 'curing' cellulite and adrenal fatigue to turning people into paragons of wellness (seriously... check out Samson, the Saxon Giant, in the 1920s). 

So what is dry brushing?

During dry brushing you are literally taking a brush, made for people, and intentionally stroking your skin with it. Dry brushing enthusiasts believe that different strokes, varying pressure and direction, and aftercare all conspire to effect wide ranging outcomes. 

So what's the truth?

I personally feel that any type of alternative or complementary medicine is only applicable on an individual basis. Our great-grandparents understood that part of a person's journey on this planet was to discover their bodies, what worked, what didn't, and what made them feel the best. Western medicine has inserted itself between a person and their body, no longer allowing effortless communication between the two closest entities.*** It's like two people sitting side by side on the couch, and instead of talking to each other, they text. The cell phone is standing in for the simplest, truest communication.

What's your point?

You need to try dry brushing (like any other natural method of health) and see. I can tell you from a toxicology standpoint that dry brushing every day makes good sense. I believe that dry brushing, used a minimum of 6 times a week over the long haul, will aid circulation. I have noticed that clients who dry brush have finer textured skin, and seem to have less noticeable cellulite and spider veins. 

Where can I find out more?

Funny you should ask... Essential Healing is holding two Dry Brushing Workshops July 18th at 5pm and 6pm. The cost is $25 if you register by tomorrow and includes a dry brush to take home as well as a $15 service voucher to be used with me (Becky).

***Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I do not have a medical degree, I am not diagnosing or prescribing drugs/treatments/or the cessation of either. 

New Workshops

This is our new lovely downstairs room that I hope to fill with workshop attendees most Wednesday nights. I realized I had reached a breaking point with some people's unhealthy fixation on scalpels when a gentleman told me that he was soon to be missing a digit (!!!?)

Evidently his finger had been hurting since he strained it in a work-related injury and the grand solution to this manual laborer's problem was to remove the offending bit, forever, from his body.

Call me crazy, but maybe a simpler solution should be attempted first? I have always shied away from public speaking venues, but after this last straw, I want to help people to my limit.

Cue our workshops! Examples of workshops that I would like to hold include our Carpal Tunnel June 13th (ahem - seats still open), plantar, sciatica, Fabulous with Fibro, breast health, cancer education, and general ones focusing on low back pain, neck pain, office yoga, detox, etc etc

So check out our classes page on our website and feel free to suggest topics!