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Acupuncture & Natural Health Solutions Newsletter
Providing Natural Health Care for the Entire Family
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Issue #2015-10b
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Detox Your Mind
Whether you realize it or not, one of the most powerful forces in your life is your self-image. A positive, healthy self-image can carry you to heights you've never imagined, while a negative self-image will pin you down like a lead weight.
To a large degree your self-image is influenced by the pictures and messages you continually feed into your mind. Positive, uplifting messages help to foster a healthy self image, while stories of doom and despair are sure to bring you down.
Your mind, just like your body, is conditioned by the pattern of your daily habits. If you get into the routine of exercising every day and putting wholesome nutritious food into your body, it is inevitable that your level of health will improve. By the same token, feasting on donuts and soda everyday while taking up permanent residence on the couch is like punching your ticket on the express train out of here.
By treating our minds like our bodies, that is feeding them what makes them healthier and exercising them the right way, we can make a complete shift in our mental make-up.
Detoxing your mind takes practice and discipline, but the payoff is invaluable. The eventual goal should be to always ooze positivity, but start by challenging yourself with a few days to a week of elevating your attitude and build from there. Journal your progress and take note of the changes that you see in yourself and in those around you. Make a list of positive aspects of the people and things around you.
Start by replacing the "junk food" that you force feed into your head with outrageously nutritious material. Focus on feeding nothing but positive, motivating things into your mind. This goes for what you watch, read, listen to, and most importantly, what you think. You create with your thoughts, so focus on what you want and why. Don't argue for your limitations.
Replace the dread and corruption reported on the evening news with a motivational reading, spiritual study, or uplifting music. Break away from gossip and get into the habit of passing out compliments.
If negative thoughts about yourself or someone else enter your mind (and they will) work on eliminating them or putting a positive spin on them. For example, instead of complaining that your water bill is too high, come up with creative ways to lower it or simply be thankful that you have running water at the turn of a knob.
It is the small things that you fuss and worry about on a daily basis that wind up stagnating your energy and lead to pain or dis-ease in your body. Learn to let go of the little things; the paper boy keeps throwing the paper in the flowers, my partner refuses to use the hamper, the guy across the street isn't putting his garbage in the correct spot. These constant critical thoughts lead to stagnate energy and eventually chronic pain. Criticism disallows wellness.
You draw into your life those things that you consistently focus your time and energy on. Choose to focus more on the wonderful things in your world. Become a magnet for good health, happiness and prosperity by continually thinking happy, prosperous thoughts.
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Aromatherapy For Stress and Anxiety
As noted by the National Association for
Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA):
"It [Aromatherapy] seeks to unify physiological,
psychological and spiritual processes to
enhance an individual's innate healing process."
Here are a few ways to use them:
* Indirect inhalation of essential oils using a room diffuser or placing drops nearby
* Direct inhalation of essential oils using an individual inhaler with drops floated on top of hot water (this is popular for treating sinus headaches)
* Aromatherapy massage, in which essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and massaged into your skin
* Applying essential oils to your skin by combining them with lotion, bath salts, or dressings
Here are a few aromatherapy oils that are
good for
anxiety and stress:
* Bergamont
* Rose
* Lavender
* Orange
* Sandlewood* Lemon
* Chamomile
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Diaphragm Breathing Exercise
1. To locate your diaphragm, place your hand above your belly button, just below your rib cage. Practicing abdominal breathing involves allowing your breath to travel deep into your diaphragm.
2. To begin, close your eyes (if you desire) and become aware of your breathing. Notice the way the air feels as it travels in through your nostrils and then out.
3. Next, take a long, slow deep breath inward, bringing the breath all the way down into your abdomen (to know if you are doing this correctly, you should feel your hand rising as you inhale.)
4. When you've taken your breath inward, pause briefly and then exhale slowly through your nose or mouth, depending on your preference.
5. Continue this exercise taking 5-10 slow, deep inhalations and exhalations. It is important to keep your breathing slow and rhythmic. To help you slow down, practice counting to four
on the inhalation and exhalation, pausing in between. The process will be as follows:
6. Inhale to the count of four 1...2...3...4. Pause. Exhale to the count of four 1...2...3...4. Some people enjoy saying a word or mantra to themselves on the inhalations and exhalations.For example, Inhale R-E-L-A-X...Pause. Exhale R-E-L-A-X.
7. There is no single right way, so choose whatever feels most comfortable for you.
8. Continue this process 5-10 times. If you begin to feel faint or light-headed, stop the breathing for 15-20 seconds and then begin again.
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Sweet & Sour Chinese Cabbage
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Tbs. tamari
- 2 Tbs. vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbs. honey
- 1 Tbs. cornstarch
- 1 Tbs. sesame oil
- 1 Tbs. safflower oil
- 1/2 - 1 Tsp. hot red pepper flakes
- 1 Tbs. miso
PREPARATION:
- 2 pounds Chinese cabbage, sliced crosswise into 2-inch pieces 2-3 cups hot, cooked grains, such as millet, couscous, or brown rice
- Mix together tamari, vinegar and honey. Stir in cornstarch. When it is dissolved, stir in sesame oil. Set aside.
- Heat oil in wok over moderate heat and add red pepper and miso. Stir-fry for a few seconds and add cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until cabbage begins to wilt, then add tamari mixture.
- Cook for 1 minute, or until cabbage is glazed. Serve immediately, with hot, cooked grains.
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The information contained within the
newsletter is only used to educate
and inform. This newsletter is
not a substitute for the advice of a licensed
and registered health
care provider. Seek prompt attention for emergencies. Consult
a health care provider for specific health concerns, and before
starting a diet, cleanse or exercise routine.
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