Audio Interview with Tnah Louise
There is an innate need in every human being to be heard; to be understood; to have the opportunity to express what is in our heart. Communicating is an interactive exercise. There must be a listener, as well as a communicator. I believe that being a listener is a valid component of the healing arts. Many people are heartsick, because they are lonely. Perhaps they feel that no one cares who they are, or what they think. Countless times I have seen the countenance of a person completely change from dim to bright, because they were given the opportunity to “pour out their heart” with words to someone who listened. How often a difficulty finds resolution, simply by talking it out with someone who listens. Clarity comes as we share our thoughts. It is not that we need another person’s opinion on the matter, as much as we just need to express what is in our own heart. As we speak, clarity often follows. It is almost magical the way we get relief and insight by talking about things!
Anyone can practice the art of listening. It is a healing modality that requires the intention of compassion. Louise Hay wrote a book called, Heal Your Body. It contains “ the mental causes for physical illness and the metaphysical way to overcome them.” We are a tri-fold being: body, soul, and spirit. Often our ailing body is simply tryin
to tell us that we have soul and spirit issues that need attention. The bible says, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks”. A facet of any healing is to look into the heart and scrutinize what is dwelling there. Speaking about what our hearts feel, brings insight which leads to healing the “whole” person. Again we see, that a LISTENER is needed in this process of healing.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines LISTEN as:
- To apply oneself to hearing something
- To pay attention
- To tune in
Thus we can deduct that it takes focus to listen. One must dismiss their own thoughts in order to give place to the thoughts of the other. This is an act of compassion, which requires a conscious choice. Those of us who desire to be channels of healing have already chosen the path of empathy and selfless love. Being a listener demands a willingness to share the suffering and feelings of another in order to give aid or support. We must set aside our own concerns and tune in to the person who is in need. Listening does not require an education and a degree. It requires time and a caring heart.
In Marianne Williamson”s book, A Return To Love, she writes, “I am only here to be helpful. I am here to represent Him Who sent me. I do not have to worry about what to say, or what to do, because He Who sent me will direct me. I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing He goes there with me. I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal.” The reward of service to others is unlimited, but I have found that the greatest reward of all is in knowing that the Divine Spirit has used me to bring His love to another! Marianne Williamson also stated, “If I choose to bless another person, I will always end up feeling more blessed.” Certainly we know this is an absolute truth.
The crux of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is enveloped within these basic principles: 1. Live righteously. 2. Eat stupendously. 3. When the body is not balanced, take corrective measures. This essay will focus on number two, eating stupendously. In a nutshell, TCM views health as the ever fluctuating dance between yin (dark, cool, and contracting in nature) and yang (light, warm, and expansive in nature). The forces of yin and yang are contained in all things and cannot be entirely separated from each other. Another poignant classification system unique to TCM is The Five Element theory (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood). Knowing how to quantify and classify these foundational elements opens the door to eating foods specific to each individual.
TCM views the digestive system as a cauldron, holding a warm brew that receives incoming nourishment. TCM scholars suggest the thermal property of incoming food should usually be cooked, warm or neutral, and rarely, if ever cold and raw. The rationale is that it takes less energy for your body to digest warm, cooked food than it would for cold and raw foods. Warm foods are viewed as being favorable for digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals. Foods that have been fermented also fall within this category, as the fermentation is an actual rotting and ripening of food. Although it may sound unusual, the idea of rotting and ripening is quite auspicious when discussing digestion within the TCM perspective.
Yin yang theory represents two mutually related and opposite aspects existing in nature. Yang translates to the side of a mountain facing the sun. Yin is the side of a mountain turning away from the sun. Yin Yang is a universal law of nature, serving as the motivating force for generation, growth, development and change within nature. Yin embodies the following characteristics: dark, cool, below, descending, still, substantial, produces form, contraction, Earth, moon, night, darkness, flat, space, right, water. Yang possesses the following attributes: bright, warm, above, ascending, mobile, functional, produces energy, expansion, Heaven, sun, daytime, light, round, time, left. When yin and yang are not harmonized, health is compromised.
One aspect of TCM that I fall more and more in love with as I meet others on their healing journey is that often (not always) energy misguided only needs to be redirected. For example, if someone who presents with a yang pattern (angry, insomnia, headaches, tinnitus) learns that eating spicy foods, too much alcohol, and excessive animal products will exasperate their unwanted physical and emotional manifestations, they have a choice to make positive changes. In addition to removing some of the toxic food choices, they can add more yin foods to their diet like dark green leafy vegetables, green tea, and watermelon. Knowing what foods harm and what foods help is a powerful tool when attempting to harmonize one's Qi.
(Prana, energy, life-force). Another incredible tool when setting out to heal is understanding what your own TCM pattern is. Typically, when someone goes to see a TCM practitioner, they will be asked a comprehensive set of questions, all which lead the practitioner to diagnose someone's TCM pattern. Having this diagnosis is of critical importance when trying to understanding how a Five Element diet works for each individual.
The five elements consist of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. Each element has a corresponding organ system, flavor, smell, etc.
Fire corresponds to: The Heart and Small Intestine, blood and vessels, joy, talking a lot, growth, sweat, summer, heat, red, and bitter.
Earth corresponds to: The Spleen and Stomach, muscles, over thinking, singing, metamorphosis, late summer, dampness, yellow, and sweet.
Metal corresponds to:
The Lungs and Large Intestine, skin and fascia, sadness, weeping, reaping, autumn, dryness, white, and pungent.
Water corresponds to: The Kidney and Bladder, bone marrow and brain, fear, groaning, hibernation, winter, cold, blue/black, and salty.
Wood corresponds to: The Liver and Gall Bladder, tendons, anger, shouting, birth and germination, wind, blue/green, and sour.
In addition to having specific characteristics, the five elements also have several powerful relationships with one another. In the five element cycle, every action has a corresponding reaction on another element. The most common five element cycles are: The Generating Cycle (Mother and Child) The Controlling Cycle(Grandmother and Grandchild), and The Insulting Cycle (Controlling Cycle in Reverse).
Fire foods: Chilies, Cluster Mallow, Water Spinach, Amaranth, Shepherd's Purse, Day Lily, Lotus Rhizome, Balsam Pears, Watermelon, Wheat, Maize, Mung Beans, Lotus Seed, Pig's Heart,Liquor, Tea.
Earth Foods: Garlic, Coriander, Carrot, Cabbage, Taro, Potato, Sweet Potato, Lotus Rhizome, Fennel, Pumpkin, Oyster Mushroom, Hedgehog Mushroom, Apples, Lycii, Cherry, Wheat, Barley, Rice, Millet, Sorghum, Soybeans, Kidney Beans, Peas, Fava Beans, Peanuts, Gingko Nuts, Chestnuts, Lotus Seeds, Almonds, Chicken, Quail, Mutton, Rabbit, Fish, Miso, Sugar, Salt, Cinnamon, Pepper, Ginger, Garlic, Jasmine, Rose.
Metal Foods: Chinese Spring Onion, Garlic, Onion, Coriander, Mustard Greens,Turnip, Carrot, Chinese Cabbage, Crown Daisy Chrysanthemum, Cluster Mallow, Bamboo Shoots, Gourd, Wood Ears, Laver, Pears, Kumquat, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Persimmon, Apricots, Glutinous Rice, Pine Nuts, Gingko Nuts, Peanuts, Sweet Almond, Ducks Eggs, Goose, Pork, Pig's Lung, Cow's Milk, Ginger.
Water Foods: Chinese Chive, Chinese Wolfberry Shoots, Kelp, Laver, Grapes, Wheat, Millet, Black Soy Bean, Sesame, Chestnut, Lotus Seed, Chicken, Black Boned Chicken, Duck, Pigeon,
Pigeon Eggs, Pig's Spinal Cord, Pig's Kidney, Pig's Bladder, Lamb's Kidney, Calf's Brain, Perch, Eel, Cuttlefish, Freshwater Shrimp, Prawn, Soft-shelled Turtle, Clam, Mussel, Miso, Salt.
Wood Foods: Eggplant, Lemon/lime, Black pepper, Cardamom, Dark green leafy vegetables, Umeboshi plums or Ume plum vinegar, Coconut oil, Avocado, Red meat, in moderation, Cherries, Raisins, Grapes.
The Application of Foods According to TCM Dietary Therapy:
0. Mutual Reinforcement and Assistance: foods similar in nature and therapeutic benefits can enhance one another.
1. Incompatibility and Mutual Detoxification: when two foods are used together, the harmful or toxic properties of one can be counteracted by the other. In this relationship, the former is deemed incompatible and the latter is detoxifying to the former.
2. Mutual Inhibition: when two foods are used together and their primary benefits are lessened or lost through this method of food combining.
3. Antagonism: when two foods are used together and toxic side effects result.
A balanced diet consists of multiple types of foods and supplies the body with adequate nutrients. A diet lacking balance results in an irregularity of the internal organs and an imbalance of Yin and Yang. Extremes of Cold or Hot foods should be avoided. The temperature of food should not be extreme. Rational food choices, intentional application of flavors, thermal natures, processing of food and suitability for the individual should be considered.
During times of poor health, follow theses guidelines: avoid all raw, cold, greasy, sticky and foods which may be difficult to digest. While convalescing, Stomach Qi is still weak and rich foods (like meat) should be avoided.
Postpartum and Pregnancy: avoid pungent and drying foods during pregnancy. In the postpartum phase, avoid cold, pungent, raw and sour foods.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, food should be prepared intentionally and with a loving, open heart. It truly translates from kitchen to table. In addition to the emotional vibration put into food, a clean kitchen is heavenly to get creative with the five elements. Having great pots and pans, cutlery, and a wide array of condiments (miso, shoyu, gomasio, sesame seeds, etc.) and spices add depth and interest to food. Another insight that I have gathered is to maintain balance by making exquisite dietary decisions. Eat well most of the time and indulge a little, knowing a little goes a long way. Bon appetit!
Hello lovelies! I owned a raw food café called Luna Pastel
for a few years and have tons of raw food recipes from that time in my life.
Raw food is great to eat in the warmer months of the year. Here are a few of my
favorite recipes for you to try.
Acupressure is powerful medicine. It is used on the acu points from Chinese Medicine meridians. Acupressure stimulates the same points as acupuncture, but instead of needles, it uses the gentle but firm pressure of the hands to release muscular tension, promote the circulation of blood, move Qi, and stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. Using this natural healing art has no side effects. Acupressure points have a high electrical conductivity at the surface of the skin. Western scientists have proven the existence of the Qi energy by using microvolt meters, which are high-tech electrical devices that measure energy and electrical charge throughout the body.
How to apply Pressure?
The amount of pressure depends on the body’s state of health and fitness. The more developed the muscles are, the more pressure that can be used. If there is pain from too much pressure on a point, gradually release the pressure until a balance between pain and pleasure is found. There should be a “good hurt” type of feeling. The thumb or middle fingers are the best to use in an acupressure treatment. The middle finger, the longest and strongest, is best suited for thinner areas of the body. The thumb is strong and excellent for applying pressure to areas with large muscle mass. The correct pressure is applied slowly, directed towards the center of the body. When you hold a point in a conscious way for at least three minutes while you breathe slowly and deeply, you may feel a pulsing sensation at the point. That is a good sign, it means that increased energy and circulation have reached that point. You are looking for a calm, balanced and smooth pulsing sensation felt on your fingertip.
Spleen Meridian: Earth-energy yin organ
In Chinese medicine, the function of the spleen organ-energy system includes the pancreas. Called the 'Minister of the Granary', the spleen controls extraction and assimilation of nutrients from food and fluids by providing the digestive enzymes and energy required by the stomach and small intestine. It regulates the quantity and quality of blood in circulation and coordinate with the kidneys to control fluid balance throughout the system. Spleen energy commands extraction of energy from stomach to lungs, where it is blended with energy from air to form True Human Energy. The spleen directly influences and is reflected by the tone and condition of muscle tissue. Weak limbs and muscular atrophy are indications of deficient spleen energy.
Spleen condition is reflected externally by the color and tone of the lips: reddish moist lips indicate strong spleen function; pale dry lips are a sign of weak spleen function. The mouth is the spleen's external aperture, and temperamental moodiness is its associated emotion. The Chinese term for 'bad temper' is 'bad spleen energy', a psychophysiological association also reflected in the English term 'splenetic'.
Spleen Meridian (source)
Paired Organ: Stomach
Color: orange yellow
Peak Hours: 9am-11am
Positive Emotions: trust, honesty, openness, acceptance, equanimity, balance, and impartiality
Negative Emotions: worry, excessive thinking, pensiveness, obsessiveness, remorse, regret, obsessions, and self-doubt
Physical Branches: muscles, lips, mouth, saliva, lymphatic system
Functions: cleanses and 'modifies' the blood, houses the body's Yi (wisdom mind).
Stomach: Earth-energy yang organ
The stomach is called the 'Minister of the Mill' and is also known as the 'Sea of Nourishment'. Because it is responsible for providing the entire system with postnatal energy from the digestion of food and fluids, it is regarded as the 'Root of Postnatal Life'. In addition to digesting bulk foods and fluids and moving them onwards to the small intestine for extraction and assimilation of nutrients, the stomach also extracts pure postnatal energy from foods and fluids, and in coordination with spleen energy it transports this food energy through the meridian system to the lungs, where it combines with air energy from breathing. This is a function of the stomach not acknowledged in Western medicine, which focuses only on the biochemistry of digestion and does not recognize the bioenergetic aspect.
Governed by pivotal Earth energy, the stomach is responsible for extracting and balancing all Five Elemental Energies from foods and fluids ingested through the mouth, which it shares with the spleen as its external aperture. Any dysfunction of the stomach results in an immediate deficiency or imbalance in the nourishing energy channeled from the stomach to other organs.
Stomach Meridian (source)
Paired Organ: Spleen
Color: deep yellow
Peak Hours: 7am-9am
Physical Branches: muscles, lips, mouth, saliva
Functions: digestion, absorption of postnatal energy
Stomach: Psycho-Emotional Aspects
The Stomach influences the mental state; an Excess condition can agitate the mind and cause mental symptoms such as: mania or hypomania, confusion, severe anxiety, and hyperactivity.
Some Powerful Acupressure Points.
ST 16, Upper Chest Press- Place your fingers into the hollows directly above the breast tissue between the third and fourth ribs. Close your eyes for one minute as you breathe deeply to let go of any addictive desires or negative thoughts.
ST 36, Three Mile- This point is located four finger-widths below the kneecap, toward the outside shinbone. Holding ST 36 strengthens the whole body, increases energy, tones the muscles, balances the emotions, relieves fatigue, and counteracts guilt, blame, and depression. ST 36 is the most effective point to enable a client to come back into their body after an emotional release.
SP 12 & 13, Rushing Doors- Place your fingertips in your groin, midway between the outer tip of your pubic bone and your hipbone. Feel for the cordlike ligament in this area. With your fingers curved, gradually apply pressure on this ligament as you breathe deeply into your belly for one minute. Releasing these points can bring deep relaxation and renew your sense of self.
SP 9, Yin Mound Spring- On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia in the depression posterior and inferior to the medial condyle of the tibia. (or) On the lower border of the medial condyle of the tibia on level with the tuberosity of the tibia. (or) Between the posterior border of the tibia and gastrocnemius muscle. Drains dampness from the lower abdomen. Helps to clear yeast infections and candida. Calms, relaxes and reduces irritability. Heals effects on the body of too much fear, worrying and thinking.
Create a vision board about what healing means to you.
The benefits of cupping therapy are numerous. To name a few- It increases blood circulation, brings nutrients to the surface of the skin, resolves stagnation, helps the body flush out toxins, relaxes the muscles, stimulates digestion, increases lymph activity, and much more. Not to mention, it feels really good!
Abdominal Cupping:
The use of cupping therapy on the abdomen is very good for detoxifying and clearing the intestines of toxic waste. Abdominal cupping helps to break-up the build-up that lines the intestinal walls. Most adults have some type of waste build- up in their intestines. Cleansing the intestines can speed up the healing process and helps to clear up some diseases.
Process:
You will need the Kang Zhu cups with a handheld pump system. Begin by doing a gentle abdominal massage with a natural oil. I like to use grapeseed or apricot oil. Notice the tight or loose areas in the different parts of the abdomen. Next, place a large cup over the Gallbladder and leave it stationary. Add another stationary cup over the Illeocecal valve. While the two stationary cups are in place, begin at the lower left quadrant of the abdomen where the descending colon sits. You will be using a back and forth movement with a cup to break-up the waste lining the intestinal walls. After 3-4 passes over the descending colon, use a sweeping pass to clear it out, moving everything to the end of the descending colon. Once the lower left has been cleared, move on to the upper left quadrant and follow the same steps. After the upper left quadrant has been cleared, take the stationary cup off of the Gallbladder area. Then, use the back and forth movement to clear the upper right quadrant 3-4 times and then clear it with a few sweeping movements all the way to the end of descending colon. When the upper right quadrant has been cleared, take the stationary cup off of the Illeocecal valve area. Then, repeat the clearing and sweeping methods on the lower right quadrant area. When the whole colon has been cleared, complete 2-3 full sweeps of the entire length of the colon. The small intestine is next to be cleared. To begin, place a stationary cup over the umbilicus and gently stimulate the umbilical area. Once that has been completed for 2-3 minutes, begin a sweeping movement in a clockwise direction moving from the umbilical area and out until the small intestine to the descending colon has been cleared as few times. A gentle lymphatic drain should be completed after the abdominal cupping treatment. To end the healing session, do a quick gentle abdominal massage to see if you feel any differences.
Treatment length- 15-20 minutes
Abdominal Cupping:
The use of cupping therapy on the abdomen is very good for detoxifying and clearing the intestines of toxic waste. Abdominal cupping helps to break-up the build-up that lines the intestinal walls. Most adults have some type of waste build- up in their intestines. Cleansing the intestines can speed up the healing process and helps to clear up some diseases.
Process:
You will need the Kang Zhu cups with a handheld pump system. Begin by doing a gentle abdominal massage with a natural oil. I like to use grapeseed or apricot oil. Notice the tight or loose areas in the different parts of the abdomen. Next, place a large cup over the Gallbladder and leave it stationary. Add another stationary cup over the Illeocecal valve. While the two stationary cups are in place, begin at the lower left quadrant of the abdomen where the descending colon sits. You will be using a back and forth movement with a cup to break-up the waste lining the intestinal walls. After 3-4 passes over the descending colon, use a sweeping pass to clear it out, moving everything to the end of the descending colon. Once the lower left has been cleared, move on to the upper left quadrant and follow the same steps. After the upper left quadrant has been cleared, take the stationary cup off of the Gallbladder area. Then, use the back and forth movement to clear the upper right quadrant 3-4 times and then clear it with a few sweeping movements all the way to the end of descending colon. When the upper right quadrant has been cleared, take the stationary cup off of the Illeocecal valve area. Then, repeat the clearing and sweeping methods on the lower right quadrant area. When the whole colon has been cleared, complete 2-3 full sweeps of the entire length of the colon. The small intestine is next to be cleared. To begin, place a stationary cup over the umbilicus and gently stimulate the umbilical area. Once that has been completed for 2-3 minutes, begin a sweeping movement in a clockwise direction moving from the umbilical area and out until the small intestine to the descending colon has been cleared as few times. A gentle lymphatic drain should be completed after the abdominal cupping treatment. To end the healing session, do a quick gentle abdominal massage to see if you feel any differences.
Treatment length- 15-20 minutes
Audio Interview with Jewel Hayes
Intuitive alchemy is a technique used to explore the deep root of imbalances that manifest in our lives. Intuition has to do with insight (seeing within). It’s related to the 6th chakra which is the area of the third eye (pineal gland) on the forehead. To truly open up to your intuition, you need to have trust in yourself and a deep sense of self love. Intuition helps us to integrate our inner and outer worlds by tapping into and acknowledging a deeper sense of what exists in the world around us. It is pure guidance from the heart. Your intuition will grow stronger with practice, openness, and trust. In his novel The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho writes “Intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life.”
An exercise to connect us to our intuition is to light a candle, sit quietly and clear your mind. Take a few deep, cleansing breaths, inhaling through the nose, and exhaling through the mouth. Sit quietly and visualize yourself surrounded by a bubble of white light. This light is purifying and healing. Allow it to feed and nourish your spirit. Surround your being with love. Self love is the base for miracles and healing to occur. Feel yourself being supported by the earth below you. Ask yourself if there are any messages that you need at this time and be open to receiving them if there are. Ask yourself if there is anything that is in your life that is no longer serving you, and if there is, ask to be shown the path with the most ease and grace to let it go. Ask if your body, mind, or spirit need anything in this present moment. Ask if there are any areas of your life that need attention and healing, and if something comes up for you, take note and send love and light from your heart to that which needs the healing.
Once you have done this grounding self-check in, you are ready to use intuitive alchemy to transform an aspect of your life. We will focus on using The Five Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine to further tap into any areas of our lives that are currently out of balance. The following is a Five Element Assessment written by Mark Johnson. It will help you to establish what your constitutional element is and what element may be weak in your life at this time. In order to get an accurate assessment, answer the questions according to who you are today, and how you are feeling in this present moment. With this information about our constitutional tendencies, we are able to customize the use of food therapy, aromatherapy, acupressure and mantra work to empower ourselves to become more aware and shift our imbalances when they arise.
Answer all questions using the following scale:
5 – This describes me almost all the time
4 – This describes me frequently
3 – This describes me occasionally, but is not characteristic of me
2 – This describes me infrequently
1 – This rarely, if ever, describes me
Part 1
___Are you a natural born initiator?
___Do you act assertively and confidently?
___Do you resist authority figures?
___Do you find that people and activities move too slowly for you?
___Do you like struggling against all odds, proving yourself to others?
___Are you always doing something or going somewhere?
___Do you have high blood pressure?
___Do you strongly resist giving in to a compromise?
___Do you always want to be first and best?
___Does confinement and sitting quietly drive you crazy?
___Do you get frequent muscle cramps?
___Do you like to make all the rules and then break them?
___Do you pioneer new trails wherever you go?
___Do your nails alternate between hard and thick, and dry and brittle?
___Are you impatient with people who seem to have no direction in life?
___Do you strongly resist showing vulnerability?
___Do you love speed and adventure?
___Have you ever had tendonitis?
___Do you manipulate situations to get what you want?
___Is it difficult for you to control your anger?
___Do you find any kind of restraint insufferable?
___Do you do your best work under pressure?
___Are you considered moody?
___Is your personal freedom a supreme value in your life?
___
Add score for Part 1
Part 2
___Are you highly motivated to seek the divine?
___Are you charismatic?
___Do you have heart problems?
___Do you have an extreme aversion to pain?
___Do you love drama, performing, and being in the spotlight?
___Are you often spontaneous?
___Do you get sores on your tongue or around your mouth?
___Can’t say no to anyone?
___Do you tend to be more emotionally intense than your friends?
___Have you ever had a speech impediment?
___Do you love to give your opinion?
___Do you fear separation above all else?
___Are you clever on your feet?
___Do you desire personal fulfillment more than almost anything?
___Do your cheeks turn red easily?
___Could you be described as extravagant?
___Are you bright and scintillating at social gatherings?
___Do you have eczema or other skin eruptions?
___Do you enjoy talking during most activities?
___Do you have trouble with boundaries in relationships?
___Is the need for intimacy and merging a strong motivation for you?
___Do you suffer from anxiety or insomnia?
___Are you mostly optimistic and enthusiastic about life?
___Are you strongly empathetic?
___
Add score for Part 2
Part 3
___Do you see yourself as a service-oriented person?
___Are you working on being more self-reliant?
___Do your friends often use you as a negotiator?
___Is bloating and water retention a problem?
___Do you struggle with inertia and feel “stuck” sometimes?
___Does nurturing come easy to you?
___Do you like to be in charge but not in the spotlight?
___Does your need to be accommodating sometimes result in conformity?
___Is a need to belong strong in you?
___Do you suffer with muscle tenderness?
___Do you regard loyalty as one of the most important traits in a person?
___Are you conservative in your thinking?
___Are you the family member or friend who knows what’s going on in everyone’s lives?
___Do you suffer with swollen glands and other lymphatic disorders?
___Would you like things to be more predictable?
___Do you tend to be overly protective?
___Do unrealistic expectations leave you disappointed much of the time?
___Do you try to be all things to all people?
___Have you recently gained weight?
___Are you considered a worrier?
___Do you feel you haven’t been recognized for your efforts?
___Are you prone to obsessive thoughts and actions?
___Are you the family member or friend who remembers everyone’s birthday?
___Are you regarded as the peacemaker by friends and family?
___
Add score for Part 3
Part 4
___Do you hold righteousness and virtue in high regard?
___Are rituals important to you?
___Is chaos your enemy?
___Do you have stiff joints and muscles?
___Do you have no time for nonsense?
___Do you hold very precise standards?
___Are you very sensitive to temperature change?
___Is clarity and agreement important to you?
___Are you a law and order person?
___Is your skin or hair really dry?
___Are you considered a perfectionist?
___Do you fear intimacy?
___Do you have a strong artistic sense or an eye for good design?
___Does carelessness in others drive you up the wall?
___Are you considered cool, dispassionate, and distant?
___Are reason and high principles your guiding lights?
___Are you considered a little too strict and nit-picky?
___Do you have elegant or refined tastes?
___Is social involvement on the bottom of your list of things to do?
___Do you have sinus problems?
___Does your high level of self-control drive your spontaneous friends crazy?
___Do you know best?
___Is it difficult for you to experience or release powerful emotions?
___Are you good at providing structure and boundaries for others?
___
Add score for Part 4
Part 5
___Would you describe yourself as introspective?
___Is the search for truth a prime motivator in your life?
___Do you have a very strong sex drive?
___Are you highly creative, imaginative and original?
___Do you dislike superficiality more than anything?
___Do you pride yourself on being self-contained and self-sufficient?
___Is rapid deterioration of teeth or gums a problem?
___Do you seek the deep mystery in everything?
___Do you suffer with frequent backaches?
___Do you occasionally catch yourself being tactless or thoughtless?
___Do you have a very penetrating and critical mind?
___Do you hate waste and conserve everything?
___Is the desire to stick-to-it one of your strongest virtues?
___Do you have hardening of the arteries?
___Is it difficult for you to share your things with others?
___Do you suffer from a feeling of chronic isolation?
___Are you afraid of losing yourself in others?
___Are you considered enigmatic and eccentric by your friends?
___Do you often feel misunderstood?
___Are you awkward in social situations?
___Do you resist conformity?
___Do you have kidney or bladder problems?
___Are your hands and feet likely to be cold?
___Do you have remarkable powers of concentration?
___Add score for Part 5
Part 1 Score __________ This is your WOOD score
Part 2 Score __________ This is your FIRE score
Part 3 Score __________ This is your EARTH score
Part 4 Score __________ This is your METAL score
Part 5 Score __________ This is your WATER score
The Wood Element corresponds to Spring, which is a time of new growth, increasing activity and longer days. In the individual, Wood corresponds to having a vision of the future, having the ability to organize, plan and initiate action, and to express emotions, including anger, in a healthy manner. Wood includes the function of the biliary tract, liver, ocular system and musculoskeletal system. When not in balance, the Wood Element correspondences include difficulty in making decisions, high levels of frustration, excessive need for control, inappropriate anger, difficulty relaxing, anxiety, high blood pressure, chronic muscular problems such as fibromyalgia, headaches (including migraine) and visual problems.
Food Therapy: Dark leafy greens, beets and beet greens, dandelion greens, fresh lemon in water for liver cleansing, organic cold pressed olive oil, licorice, chlorophyll (“blood of the plants”), peppermint tea
Aromatherapy: combine peppermint (moving/stimulating) and lavender (calming)
Acupressure: Liver 3, tai yang (gallbladder connection), Large Intestine 4
Mantra: “I trust in the divine and surrender to the process that is unfolding right now”.
The Fire Element corresponds to Summer. This is the time of greatest warmth and light, the longest days, the greatest activity and luxuriant growth. In the individual Fire correspondences include the ability to establish relationships, express love and sexuality, expansiveness, enthusiasm, passion, playfulness, joyfulness, warmth and relaxation. The organ systems include the heart, small intestine, pericardium, and sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When the Fire Element is not in balance there is a lack of joy and warmth, difficulty in intimate relationships, depression, confusion and doubt, low energy, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, cardiac disease and tinnitus.
Food Therapy: Hawthorn berries, ginseng, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (raw, steamed, or baked), bell peppers, curry, tomatoes, beets
Aromatherapy: combine rose (aphrodisiac, anti-depressant) or ylang ylang (aphrodisiac, calming, antidepressant) and frankincense (relaxation, spiritual connection, meditation)
Acupressure: Heart 3, Pericardium 6, Heart 7, Ren 17 (anxiety)
Mantra: “I allow a deep sense of joy and warmth to radiate throughout my being. I am peaceful and calm.”
The season for the Earth Element is Late Summer. This is harvest time when food is plentiful and the warmth and golden light of the Late Summer days create a sense of relaxation and contentment. The organ systems of Earth are the stomach, spleen, pancreas and all digestive processes. In the individual, Earth corresponds to nourishment, contentment, harvesting what is needed for self and others, stability, security, empathy and caring. Earth corresponds to the biological mother, as well Mother Earth. When the Earth Element is not in balance we see a person who can be obsessive, self centered, opinionated, insecure and uncaring. The physical symptoms include eating disorders, upper and lower gastrointestinal disease including peptic ulcer disease and inflammatory bowel disease, sinusitis, frontal headaches and all gynecological disorders.
Food Therapy: squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, soups and congees, apples, anise, ginger, fennel, whole grains
Aromatherapy: combine bergamot (uplifting, relaxing, builds confidence), sandalwood
(sensual, warm, meditative), and cedarwood (warming, soothing)
Acupressure: Spleen 6, Stomach 36
Mantra: “I am centered and well nourished. I am grounded and connected with the earth. My entire being is vital, healthy, and balanced”
The season of the Metal Element is Autumn. This is a time of decreasing light, increasing cold and shorter days. Trees lose their leaves as they withdraw their energy internally. In the individual, the Metal Element represents internal resolve and strength, self worth, self esteem, vitality and endurance, as well as the ability to let go of emotional upsets and grudges. The organ systems are the lung, skin and colon. Metal represents the biological and spiritual Father. When the Metal Element is out of balance there can be depression and sadness, an inability to recover from loss, lack of inspiration, rigidity, poor self esteem, excessive materialism and emotional withdrawal. The physical symptoms include asthma, rhinitis, eczema and other skin disorders, constipation and lower bowel disorders.
Food Therapy: garlic, baked pears, honey, baked squash, vegetable barley soup, asparagus, mushrooms, miso, radishes, papaya, apples, seaweed, sweet potatoes
Aromatherapy: combine eucalyptus (decongestant, respiratory health), spruce (relaxation, protection, immune booster), and lemon (cleansing and uplifting)
Acupressure: Lung 1 and 2, Lung 9, Large Intestine 11
Mantra: “As I inhale, I take in inspiration from the world around me. As I exhale, I let go of everything that is not serving my highest and best interest”.
The Water Element is correlated with Winter. This is the darkest and coldest time of the year, when activity in the plant kingdom occurs only deep in the roots. In the individual, the Water Element represents energetic reserves, the will to survive, courage, our ability to procreate, movement and flow, self actualization, willpower, trust and faith. The organ systems are the bladder, kidney, bones and endocrine system. When out of balance, the Water Element corresponds to fear and a struggle for survival, a lack of reserves and deep fatigue, reduced sexuality, timidity and a lack of trust in life and in other people. The physical symptoms include fatigue and exhaustion, all disorders of the urinary tract, infertility, hypertension, all endocrine disorders, lumbar syndromes, ankylosing spondylitis and dental pathology.
Food Therapy: Root vegetables (beets, potatoes, turnips), spinach, kale, foods from the ocean (fish, seafood, seaweed), black beans, black sesame seeds, ginseng, ginger, cinnamon, almonds, walnuts, royal jelly and bee polle
Aromatherapy: combine cinnamon (warming, soothing), clove (warming, antibacterial), and rosewood (relaxing, gently strengthening)
Acupressure: Kidney 3, Kidney 1
Mantra: “I am rooted and safe. My needs are met with ease and grace. All is well around me”
It is essential to truly believe and understand that our emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health is in our own hands. Utilize this information to empower yourself by following your heart, trusting your intuition, and actively choosing health and change when you are feeling out of balance. By opening our hearts, trusting our intuition and going inside to the root of our disharmonies, a deep space opens up for growth, perspective, self-love, and alchemy.
This workshop will lead you through using the “folk method” of creating pure, natural homemade herbal medicine and beauty products. You will learn how to DIY and navigate easily, modifying basic recipes that can be applied to your unique skin type, medicinal needs and tastes.
Herbal medicine is something that goes beyond physical medicine, it transcends into spiritual medicine as your senses become heightened with awareness in the simple act of preparing living essences that bring healing to yourself and others and enhance natural beauty. This is called spirit medicine. The side effects of this type of medicine are naturally healing, naturally positive, and naturally sacred.
Our sacred grandmother’s used the ‘old ways’, they studied wild plants, food for medicine, organic gardening, seasonal celebrations, and recipes and remedies for anything and everything. They had a sacred relationship with plants and flowers that we are so honored to share and pass on and nurture the medicine woman in you.
We will start with learning the practical applications of making tinctures. Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts that have alcohol as the solvent. Anything other than alcohol as the solvent then becomes an extract, not a tincture. Many herbs contain active ingredients which are not easily extracted by water, or are destroyed by heat, the tincture solves these problems as well as preserving the extract.
Tinctures are immediately effective because they are absorbed directly through your mouth and into your bloodstream. Tinctures can also be used as a foundation for creating a variety of healing products for both external and internal medicinal needs.
Using the folk method is the way to go when making herbal medicine anywhere, anytime! Simple, effective, and fast, this method allows you to estimate your herb measurements by eye!
- Place herbs (you can bang it around in a mortar and pestle too if you think it needs to be broken down more) in suitably sized jar (you want to avoid have much air space in the bottle when everything’s in).
- Pour alcohol (I use 100 proof vodka being 50% water/50% alcohol) herbs.
- Seal jar with airtight lid.
- Store in cool, dark place for two to six weeks.
- Dried herbs, shake once every day or so. Fresh herbs when tinctured with a high percentage of alcohol do not need to be shaken; they will simply be automatically deprived of all of their liquid bits by the alcohol. If alcohol evaporation has taken place this can introduce bacteria and mold into your tincture. Top off the jar if necessary with more alcohol and make sure herbs are submerged.
- Now it’s time to strain and squeeze. Placing cheesecloth over a funnel, placed over a glass container, pour contents out. Allow to drip, then squeeze and twist the cheesecloth until the very last drop has been extracted!
- Add filtered tincture into an amber glass bottle with or without dropper. Tinctures are concentrated, so the doses are taken in drops, the amount of drops depends on the type of herb and the body weight of the person. Label and date, putting as much information as you choose, storing again in a cool, dark place and your tincture extracts will last just several years to come!
You can carry a vile of tincture with you in your travels, having herbal medicine readily available! Enjoy in warm tea, glass of water, juice or apply directly under your tongue.
GLYCERIN TINCTURES
Glycerin is very sweet and will dissolve mucilage, vitamins and minerals. It will not dissolve the resinous or oily properties of herbs very well. Because glycerin is sweet it is an excellent choice for children's remedies. Make glycerin tinctures in small amounts because it will not last as long as an alcohol tincture, about 1 to 3 years. Be sure to use 100% vegetable glycerin.
Follow the same basic instructions for making the alcohol tincture substituting glycerin for alcohol. To make a glycerin tincture you can cover your herbs with 100% glycerin alone or combine 3/4 part glycerin with 1/4 part water. Water also dissolves some properties of herbs into solution so I recommend using it in your glycerin tinctures when you are tincturing dried herbs.
VINEGAR TINCTURES
Vinegar primarily dissolves alkaloids. It does not draw all the medicinal properties from your herbs. Use vinegar for people sensitive to alcohol or for tonic herbs that you will be taking over long periods of time. Vinegar tinctures have a short shelf life, 6 months to a year if stored in a cool dark place.
Make your vinegar tincture in the same manner as you do using alcohol. Make sure the herbs are completely submerged in the vinegar. If you are using fresh herbs, spread them out in an airy place to wilt them first. This reduces the water content and reduces the chances of spoilage.
DOSAGES
Dosages for herbal tinctures are best determined individually based upon the power of the herb & the reason for its use. The dosage is dependent upon the illness you are treating and the power of the herbs you are using. For most purposes, herbalists choose gentle herbs that can be safely used in large dosages. Commercial tinctures are labeled with the recommended dosage, usually 10-30 drops three times per day. Sometimes ten to thirty drops of tincture is sufficient for a therapeutic dose, other times you may need a teaspoon every hour.
EQUIVALENTS
60 drops = 1 teaspoon
4 ml. = 1 teaspoon
1 ounce = 28.4 grams (solid)
1 fluid ounce = 29.57 ml.
1 teaspoon tincture = 2 "OO" capsules
Dosages for children are not provided in most herbals. To determine the correct dose you need to consider the size of the child, the ailment, the power of the herb you intend to use, and the adult dosage.
Young's Rule for determining dosage uses the child's age divided by twelve plus the age. The dosage for a 4 year old: 4/12+4 = 4/16 = 1/4 of the adult dose.
Clark's Rule for determining dosages divides the weight of the child by 150 to give the approximate fraction of the adult dose. Dosage for a 40 lb. child: 40 /150 = .26 or approx. 1/4 the adult dose.
Herbs for healing and home use:
“Moringa is a vegetable tree that is extremely nutritious and has many potential and healthy uses. The Moringa tree is believed by many to be the most giving plant in all of nature. It is loaded with nutrients, antioxidants and healthy proteins. Moringa is quite possibly the most amazing plant that anyone has ever studied. Moringa Oleifera (Moringa) is called the Tree of Life because it is one of nature’s most nutritious foods. The powder in Moringa leaf contains over 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants along with all of the essential amino acids.” Grenera (source)
“Arnica: when made from the whole fresh plant including the root, have several medicinal purposes. It is commonly used in the form of topical creams, gels and ointments or homeopathic salves. When applied directly after an injury Arnica significantly reduces bruise formation. It is also helpful for treating arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema, and acne. Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities help reduce pain and swelling while improving wound healing.” Natural News (source)
“Motherwort is primarily an herb of the heart. Several species have sedative effects, decreasing muscle spasms and temporarily lowering blood pressure. Another of motherwort’s uses is to improve fertility and reduce anxiety associated with childbirth, postpartum depression, and menopause. If used in early labor it will ease labor pains and calms the nerves after childbirth. Do not use during pregnancy. It helps bring on a delayed or suppressed menstrual flow, especially when someone is anxious and tense. Avoid using for menstrual cramps when bleeding is heavy. It strengthens and relaxes the uterine muscles and eases uterine cramping. It also reduces fevers, and is especially suggested for illnesses associated with nervousness or delirium. Motherwort was formerly used to treat rheumatism and lung problems, like bronchitis and asthma. Motherwort may help an overactive thyroid but does not depress normal thyroid function. Motherwort tea has a very bitter taste.” Susan Weed (source)
SISTERHOOD SALVES
Salves are used as herbal medicinal remedies for external scrapes, abrasions and a variety of skin ailments, providing a protective layer of healing properties. They are a semi-solid mix of oils, waxes with additives such as; herbal tinctures, essential oils, and vitamins to suit your healing requirements and personal tastes.
- As making salves involves some degree of heat it’s best to use oils that are fairly heat stable. Coconut oil is what I use, however you will not be heating it very high, oils like olive, sunflower, and apricot kernel can be also happily used. If you prefer oils that should not be heated, add them after other ingredients have cooled to room temperature.
- To stay as close to nature as possible, use yellow Beeswax, as it is unrefined, unlike the bleached white variety. There is a large variety of waxes available, use one that resonates with you.
- Weigh or measure out the wax (preferably grated or cut into small pieces) and the oil (can also use herbal infused oil) and place in a double boiler, or use mason jar with lid and place in pan of water, heat on low until the wax is fully melted, then stir well.
- Add tincture and drizzle it in slowly, whisking lightly with a fork. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly but not set. You can test the consistency of the salve by dipping the tip of a teaspoon into it. Such a small amount will set quickly and will show you how the finished product will be. If you are not happy you can return it to the heat and add a fraction more oil/wax until you get it just right.
- While the salve is still liquid, stir in desired other ingredients (such as: honey, lanolin, vitamin E oil, and essential oils).
- Pour into glass jars or wide mouthed tins and cap immediately to stop the volatile oils from evaporating.
- Allow to cool and set completely before using. Salves have amazing healing properties and are convenient to use and travel well.
SIGNATURE SCRUBS
Every season we should exfoliate and start refreshed, renewed & rejuvenated! A full body/face exfoliation, with rich in mineral, salts, sugars & many other astringents, combined with oils, creamy foods & healing tinctures, gently and effectively stimulate circulation while removing layers of impurities, making way for a healthy, refined skin texture that reveals beautiful glowing skin!
We will be using food based scrubs, after all, we are what we eat, so our skin deserves nourishment as well!! Thus making way for the medicinal properties of the food/herbs chosen, allowing for ultimate healing & skin that reflects the perfect balance of our healthy inner world.
For a face scrub, start with steaming skin to open pores; you can add herbs to the mix for additional benefits. Placing hot water in bowl, add herbs or essential oils if desired, place towel over head and lean over bowl creating a tent and breathe, just breathe!
For a body scrub, start with dry skin brushing, to exfoliate dead skin and ignite lymphatic system to start moving toxins out of your body, this too improves the appearance of cellulite. Start from feet and work towards the heart using long smooth strokes.
1)
1. Chose astringent
- Salts – detoxifying
- Sugars- gentler scrub
- Ground nuts, corn meal, almond meal & bran - nourishing
- Seeds – instead of salts/sugars
- Oatmeal – softening
- Citrus peels dried and ground – rejuvenating/brightening
- Herbs – medicinal properties
- Fruits with seeds - antioxidants
- Coffee-revitalizing
- Lemon-brightening/cleansing
2. Choose binding agent
- Honey
- Blended or mashed fruits
- Yogurt
- Milks/creams
- Oils-simple or infused
3. Mix in a bowl, one part binding agent to two part astringent.
4. Add essential oils & tinctures. Place in jar and cover, store in refrigerator for several weeks with fresh foods. Oil based without fresh food, can remain safe in jar unrefrigerated.
5. Using loofah-mit or hands; start at your feet and moving towards your heart, using circular motions. Avoid over scrubbing.
6. Rinse and pat dry skin.
Pumpkin Pie Scrub
1 cup of brown sugar
½ cup coconut oil
½ tsp Vitamin E oil
½ tsp pumpkin pie spices (or just cinnamon)
BODY & SOUL DRINK
Protecting and hydrating your skin with nature as your guide, treat yourself to a wondrous healing & sealing lotion, oil, cream, milk or body butter for dessert! Heavy up on the local body treatment; serving up moisture to bring your skin back to its natural state. Delicious & rich, your parched skin will thank you for giving it a drink of a Sacred Medicine Woman’s favorite.
We will be making lotion bars/molds as they are easy to make, easy to store and have amazing hydration and healing properties.
1 part coconut oil
1 part shea/cocoa or mango butter
1 part beeswax (add extra if you want a thicker consistency)
1 tsp vitamin E oil if you want to preserve
Herb infused oil or essential oil drops (the amount depends upon your needs/likes)
- Combine all ingredients (except essential oils/oil tincture) in a mason jar with a lid (to be reused for future hydrating projects) and place in small sauce pan of water and bring to boil until melted. Or you can use a double broiler.
- Stir in oils as desired
- Pour into molds/baking dishes
- Cool completely Remove, cut and store at room temperature or in refrigerator.
My grandmother used 6 parts baking soda to 1 part sea salt, blended mixture and wet the tip of her finger and pasted on the mixture, rubbing from back to front on both gums and teeth. Then spitting out paste and waiting 15 minutes to rinse.
Please take these wonderful healing recipes and share them with your family, friends and community. You can enhance seasonal celebrations by creating them during a full moon or new moon inviting the lunar magic into your creations. A couple trying to create a new family would benefit from specific tinctures and oils to enhance fertility. Maybe you know a new babe that has entered into the world and could use a teething tincture and diaper balm. A new mother would benefit from a basket of home-made goodies to nurture her new journey. The remedies are endless, the herbs are plentiful, now you can make and share the joy of the ‘old ways’ using the ‘folk method’ that nurtures the Sacred Medicine Woman in you.
With people who are severely ill, deeply ill, I think you have to seduce them back to wellness. And you do that by making life appealing again. You make good tasting teas, you put beautiful flowers in their room: they can be medicinal plants in that bouquet, plants that have that healing energy. You plant gardens, you paint the rooms beautiful colors. You make life beautiful so that people want to live. Beauty is what brings us back to wellness, what makes us want to be healthy and vital. ~Rosemary Gladstar
With dessert in mind, we will finish our day with brushing off unwanted particles, polishing & protecting your glorious smile as we make toothpaste free from chemicals & full of natural healing, anti-bacterial & whitening properties. Coconut oil helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay, along with killing viruses & bacteria. Baking soda kills bacteria, regulates ph levels, and whitens teeth.
Audio Interview with Olivia Hamilton Jones
Have you ever considered the energetic properties of gold? Most of us have played with or have worn gold jewelry since we were children. Gold is a powerful metal. It symbolizes the spiritual aspect of “Oneness” and the interconnectedness of “All the Is”. It is a conduit of communication with the source of all being. It balances the energy fields. Gold is called the Master Healer. It amplifies the energy of any crystal it is used with. For the human body, it helps with purification. It stimulates and improves digestion. It helps the body to assimilate and absorb vitamins and minerals. It calms negative emotions, and helps a person to become balanced, especially in the heart chakra.
Sit with a piece of gold in your hands for 5 minutes. Breathe deeply and listen to the messages that gold has for you. Journal the feelings and messages that you received.
Then, sit with a piece of gold in one hand and your favorite crystal in the other hand. Breathe deeply and receive new messages for 5-10 minutes. Journal your experience of holding the gold and crystal together.
