Monday, July 29, 2013

Help Yourself with Homeopathy


Think about the following people:
 
H. Emile Cady, Mary Baker Eddie, Henry David Thoreau,Charles Darwin, Carl Jung, Mother Theresa, Queen Elizabeth, Mahatma Gandhi, Paul McCartney, Louise Hay, Tina Turner, Cher and Bill Clinton
 
What do they all have in common?
 
Answer: The belief that the body has a natural ability to heal itself and based on that belief all of them have used Homeopathy.
 
In the late 1700’s a German MD- Dr. Samuel Hahnemann developed a method of healing called Homeopathy. It works by utilizing tiny diluted doses of all natural substances designed to trigger your body’s innate ability to heal itself.
 
In Oriental Medicine life energy  is called Chi. Indian Philosophy calls it Prana. Homeopaths or people who practice Homeopathy call the spark of life that animates us-the Vital Force.  The medicines or remedies used in Homeopathy signal our Vital Force to begin healing and rebalancing itself.
 
“Like cures like”
 
A main principle of homeopathy is that“Like cures Like”.  Homeopathy matches the symptoms of the person with the symptom picture of the remedy. An example of this is insomnia-perhaps a person has drunk too many stimulating beverages…by bedtime they feel anxious and jacked up. It is impossible for their mind to stop thinking. 
 
The Homeopathic remedy Coffea is made from coffee beans. Like all the remedies the material dose of coffee beans has been diluted so many times that there is nothing left but the energetic blue print of coffee in the remedy Coffea. If you need help sleeping because your mind is too active the homeopathic remedy Coffea actually helps you calm down and have a good sleep. 
 
Imagine the experience of getting stung by a bee.  Ouch! It’s painful. The place where you got stung is hot, red, swollen and itches. Apis Mellifica the remedy made from honey bees relieves conditions that have these same symptoms.
 
Benefits
 
Homeopathy has been practiced for over 200 years and it is very gentle- safe for people of all ages. It has a number of appealing benefits:
 
1.The remedies are made from plants, herbs, minerals and animals-all natural non drug substances
 
2.There is little or no side effects from these remedies.They do not interact with herbal medicine or conventional drugs and there are no contraindications if you have a pre-existing condition.
 
3.They do not cause drowsiness and it is safe to operate machinery while you are taking them.
 
4. The remedies  are  low cost . They come in different forms tablet, liquid, gel, cream etc. so they are quite easy to take.

How it is Used
 
At home it’s used primarily for acute care. The most common acute conditions that homeopathy works well for are: allergies, ear infections, colds, coughs, flu, stress, strains and sprains, teething, muscle and arthritic aches and pains.
 
Professionally trained homeopaths also practice “Constitutional Homeopathy” to determine which remedy will be of the most benefit. Constitutional Homeopathy is used for moodswing, anxiety, sense of loneliness or not feeling like you belong, irritability, anger and tantrums in children. People who are taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication should work with their MD in conjunction with their homeopath.
 
Learn Homeopathy for Self Care at Home
 
If you like the idea of using your body’s own healing powers and helping yourself  to heal naturally; it’s easy to learn about Homeopathy.
 
There is a free online training at www.boironusa.com/education-training.  Or you can pick up good books to begin your adventure with homeopathy:
 
1.Homeopathic Solutions Made Easy by Michele Boiron & Francois Roux
 
2.The Family Guide to Homeopathy by Andrew Lockie,MD
 
3.Homeopathic Medicine at Home by Maesimund Panos, MD
 
4. The Homeopathic Revolution: Why Famous People and Cultural Heroes Choose Homeopathy by Dana Ullman MPH
 
 
 
You can also find a trained Homeopath in your area at www.homeopathydirectory.com.  I’d love to hear about your experiences with this safe remarkable form of healing.
 
“Homeopathy cures a larger percentage of cases than any other form of
treatment and is beyond doubt safer and more economical.”
Mahatma Gandhi
 
 

 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Freedom and Forgiveness-Hawaiian Ho'o pono pono

Ho-o pono pono-the practice of forgiveness and making things right has it’s roots in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Hawaii.





The early Hawaiians were deeply religious. They held a reverence for all of nature. There was a chant and prayer for almost everything in their existence.
For them-God was everywhere- in everything thing and in every living being. Everything in their universe had it’s own god…yet all the gods, all things and all beings were part of the One Supreme God. This One Supreme God was the source of All.
Ho’o pono pono

When there was a disruption in the natural flow of things- a disagreement, a hurtful action or something was disturbing they used a prayer ceremony called Ho’o pono pono to make things right again. In the beginning it was most common for the priest in their temple to conduct this ritual.
All parties would get together and explain their side of what happened. The priest would accept their offerings, make a water blessing, say a prayer and provide spiritual counseling. Everyone would share a ceremonial drink called awa. This is made from kava kava-the Hawaiian pepper plant. With the entire process: the offerings, prayer, the water blessing. listening compassionately and sharing honestly- forgiveness occurred. The natural order of things was restored.
As life evolved in Hawaii, respected family members- the elders of the community were also consulted for guidance in making things right. This family style of ho’o pono pono was more casual. It was a time of sitting, talking and airing things out. Each family had their own way of doing this. Once the hurts were resolved and things were made right a lu’au or celebration meal was held and order was restored.
Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona

In the 1950’s Ho’o pono pono was refined and given a deeper spiritual meaning by Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona -a Hawaiian herbal healer. Morrnah used Ho’o pono pono to establish a greater awareness of God or Spirit alive within us. She felt that we live in partnership with Spirit to co-create a life of harmony and peace. Morrnah created prayers to amplify the awareness of our partnership with Spirit. Her prayers allow an internal shift so that natural order and right action are restored within us and others from the very beginning of time.
Her mother was a temple priestess of the Ka La’au Kahea tradition. Morrnah remembered the power of the water blessing. She combined her knowledge of the ancient ways with her religious upbringing in the Protestant and Catholic religions. She was also influenced by the metaphysical teachings of Edgar Cayce and her studies of Indian philosophy.
Morrnah came to a new understanding of forgiveness by focusing on Divine Intelligence within one’s own mind. Her prayer of Ho’o pono pono aligned our human mind with Divine Mind.
Accepting Responsibility

By becoming aware that we are responsible for everything in our life and world and accepting that responsibility we are able to change our past and our future. With this practice old hurts, memories and behavior patterns are able to be released and changed . This creates freedom, peace and ease in ourselves, our world and those around us.
Morrnah’s beautiful prayers and the healing that came from her work were -well received around the world. She even taught courses in Ho’o pono pono for the United Nations.
One of her students- Dr. Hew Len, a psychologist studied with her for 10 years and has carried on her work of Ho’o pono pono since 1992.
Original Prayer from Morrnah:
Divine Creator: Father, Mother, Son as One:
If I (we),________________,my (our) families, relatives and ancestors have offended you, ___________________,your families, relative and ancestors in thoughts, words and actions from the beginning of our creation to the present.
Humbly, humbly I (we) ask you (all) for forgiveness for all my (our) errors, resentments, guilts, hatred, hurts, trauma or pain, offenses, blocks, etc., which ( (we) have created and accumulated from the beginning to the present.
Please Forgive Me!.
(Response) Yes, _________________ I (we) forgive you!
Let this water cleanse, purify and release me (us), offender and offended from spiritual, mental, material, financial and karmic bondage. (Note: the use of actual water is not necessary. A symbolic sprinkling gesture made with the hand is sufficient to suggest water.) 
Pull out from our Memory Bank or Computer All the Unwanted Negative Memories and Blocks that attach, knot, tie and bind us together.
Sever, detach, unite and release these unwanted memories and blocks.
Transmute these unwanted energies to "Pure Light"!
Fill the spaces those energies occupied with Divine Light.
Let "Divine Order," Light, Love, Peace, Balance, Understanding, Joy, Wisdom and Abundance be made manifest for us through the Divine Power of the Divine Father, Creator of all life, Mother, Son as ONE, in whom we abide, rest, and have our being... Now and Forever More, Amen.1

Simplified Version 
Dr. Len and those who share the modern version of Ho’o pono pono –have simplified the prayer. This short form is used today:
I'm sorry, please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.2
A Deep Connection With Your Source 
Whether you practice the ancient style of Ho’o pono pono, Morrnah’s beautiful prayer or the shorter version from Dr. Len. Ho’o pono pono creates a deep connection with your Source and releases you from the effects of your past. Powerful changes come from this- enabling you to move forward with your life. With this new state of freedom it is easy to make new choices for yourself.
Try one of these prayers daily for three weeks. I believe you will find that your heart and mind feel stronger and that you move more freely through all of life’s situations. Let me know your experiences- I’d love to hear what happens for you.

1.Self Identity Through Ho’o pono pon, Basic 1, Pacifica Seminars, 1990
2. Zero Limits, The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More, Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len, PhD, John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New Jersey, 2007.
You are invited to join me for a Ho’o pono pono forgiveness workshop and ceremony

Ho'o pono pono-Hawaiian Forgiveness







Saturday, August 10th

2pm- 4pm
20755 Occidental Road
 Center for Spiritual Living
 Santa Rosa California 95401
 707-546-4543
Cost:$20

register online:http://steppingstones-book-and-gifts.myshopify.com/collections/events-tickets

Monday, July 22, 2013

Natural Regenerative Therapy for Glaucoma


 
Natural therapies can be of great value in helping your eyes to heal and to have better results with your prescription medication. Glaucoma is a serious condition – so medical intervention with regular checkups is important. These suggestions
are meant to work in conjunction with the instructions from your MD.
Too Much Stress Is Hard on the Eyes
Our eyes and especially eyes with glaucoma or other eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration etc. are very susceptible to oxidative stress.
As the cells in our body accomplis their natural metabolic processes toxic byproducts called free radicals and peroxides are produced. These chemicals  produce oxidative stress.
Mother nature has given us a sophisticated means of neutralizing these buzz bombs with super active enzymes working to support our detox process…. but some people need extra help to reduce the effects of this  physiological stress. 
Vitamin C therapy can help reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) that may build up in the eye due to oxidative stress.  Bioflavanoids-a  form of vitamin C from citrus, lipoic acid, magnesium, B12, and omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils also reduce oxidative stress, improve circulation and blood flow to the eyes.
Life Can Be Sweet Without So Much Sugar
Insulin resistance, levels of insulin that are too high and difficulty processing carbohydrate foods causes diabetes, weight problems and can raise your blood pressure. All of these are associated with elevated eye pressure.
Avoid sugar- cut  back on how much you use. Reduce bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, crackers, cereal etc to balance your insulin metabolism.  Get your blood sugar level checked regularly because like glaucoma insulin related problems can be difficult to feel.
Regular exercise-walking, yoga, swimming, bike riding or perhaps  aerobics can  rebalance blood sugar metabolism reduce stress, improve well being and decrease the buildup of ocular pressure. However, it depends on what is going on with your eyes -check with your MD. Make sure the exercise you plan on doing regularly will be easy on your eyes.
Are Your Adrenals Wearing Their Dancing Shoes?
An intricate dance goes on between our adrenals, the kidneys and the mineral stores in our body. The adrenals regulate the kidneys with aldosterone. The kidneys respond by excreting urine with contains minerals. Our fluid balance and minerals stores change which affects our blood pressure and fluid levels in the body & our eyes.
Rebalance your adrenals by- reducing stress,  practicing meditation, learning how to sleep/rest more deeply and walking your dogs or playing with pets you love.  The adrenals work in close connection with the thyroid- have your thyroid checked at the same time your blood sugar is evaluated.
Vitamin C therapy, B complex, calcium magnesium and zinc  help reduce the stress load and normalize kidney and adrenal function.
Other alternative possibilities  include: homeopathy, herbal therapy, nutrition, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, ayurvedic therapies and massage.
Eat Nutrient Rich Foods Every Day
Use these foods to protect the eyes, promote healthy vision and slow down the progression of eye disease, decrease IOP, and strengthen blood flow to the eyes
*spinach, kale, chard, collards, broccoli, brussel sprouts, leafy green veggies and egg yolks are high in lutein &  zeathin.  
*orange fruits and vegetables: squash, carrots, pumkin, yams, sweet potatoes and apricots contain vitamin A derivatives
*almonds, sunflower& pumpkin seeds, hazlenuts and wheat germ are rich in vitamin E.
*berries-cranberries, blueberries, bilberry, raspberry etc are high in bioflavanoids a natural form of vitamin c
* things to avoid: excess caffeine, alcohol, smoking and rich fatty foods with high sugar content like doughnuts, pastries and fried foods.
 
 Be gentle with yourself- Start with one or two changes at a time and listen to what your body tells you. Let your inner vision guide you to what helps you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated.
 

“The natural healing force within each of us

is the greatest force in getting well.” - Hippocrates

 
Resources:
1. http//www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/17604498

“A novel perspective on natural therapeutic approaches in glaucoma therapy”.

Mozaffarieh M. Flammer J.

 
2. http//www/ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmd/11302779
“Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two:cataracts and glaucoma”.

 Head, KA.

 

 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Inner Vision, Glaucoma and Love


The Shambala teachings of Tibetan Buddhism consider vision to be a form of bravery.  To see clearly what is directly in front of us and keep moving forward so we engage in life-one must realize their own basic goodness and confidence which allows them to perceive  the basic goodness of the world. The illumination which occurs when this change takes place is called the Great Eastern Sun.
Whether it is the Great Eastern Sun of self illumination or simply the light of day in your own bedroom-that you see....inner vision and love can help your eyes see more clearly and allow you to feel whole and complete.

Your Thoughts Can Influence Your Healing
I believe that we live in a reciprocal universe-what we believe and think about shapes our reality. Inner work on ourselves is a wonderful tool for retraining your body and mind to assist you in healing.  
Not everyone is seing clearly-3 million Americans & 67 million people around the globe are vision impaired with glaucoma.  Glaucoma is a family of eye diseases that can influence the pressure in the eye in different ways which can damage the optic nerve producing vision loss or even blindness when these conditions go untreated.
Unfortunately the onset of glaucoma is not always easy to feel in the early stages. All adults should have their eyes checked regularly. Glaucoma is associated with dizziness, sinus problems, allergies, hypertension, diabetes or blood sugar problems so it is especially important to get an eye checkup if you have been concerned with these issues.
Western  medical therapies use eye drop medications and sometimes traditional  and/or laser surgery to keep the fluid pressure of the eye in balance and protect the optic  nerve. Glaucoma is a serious condition and these therapies are important to prevent loss of sight.

Here is a program that has helped many people enjoy better vision: 
New Thoughts for Healthy Eyes
Discover the best new thoughts for your inner and outer healing.
(From“You Can Heal Your Life”by Louise Hay, p.175.)
1.In a quiet time and place ask yourself: “Are there long standing or overwhelming hurts from the past? Any unforgiven events or hurts that could be affecting my eyes and glaucoma?”
If it doesn’t seem possible then ask yourself “What could be the thought patterns in me that are influencing my vision and how my eyes heal?”
2. Repeat to yourself, “I am willing to release the patterns in my consciousness that are influencing my vision or may have created this condition.”
3.Louise Hay found these affirmations helpful with vision & glaucoma but if they do not resonate with you- feel free to create one that does.
                                              “I see with love and tenderness”
                                              “I see with love and joy”
                                              “I now create life I love to look at”
Repeat your affirmation as a new thought pattern to yourself several times.
4. Allow yourself to assume that you are already healing. Use your  affirmation-at least three or four times each day and whenever you find yourself thinking about your vision.

Try Inner Vision and Love for 30 Days
Give yourself one month of using this method daily. These few minutes of focusing on yourself in a relaxed and loving manner will surely help you feel better. I would love to hear how it works for you.
Next week in part 2 I'll explain natural steps to normalize fluid pressure and slow down the progression of Glaucoma. These alternative steps also make it easier for your body to process glaucoma medications more effectively and reduce possible side effects.
 
"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision"
Helen Keller
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Monday, July 8, 2013

Take the Pressure Off Your Pressure



Do you have a family history of hypertension ? Have you been told that you must lower your blood pressure or you will need medication? Are you one of over 1 billion people around our world that is already being treated for this condition?
You are not alone......
By 2025-1.56 billion people will be dealing with high blood pressure.  Hypertension is a key factor in cardiovascular disease and one of the primary causes of stroke, heart attack and death.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If your levels are too high- your MD will prescribe medication.  Alternative therapies like changing your diet & nutritional support, homeopathy, acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine and herbology can help reduce the amount of medication you may need. In time they can alsobring your readings to a more normal level.
There are 3 simple things you can do to “take the pressure off”.  None of these will interfere with any medications you may be taking.
1.     Listen to music and practice laughing- 
One hour of music you enjoy or laughing for an hour-twice a month can reduce your blood pressure by 5-7 mmHg. These drops occur immediately after your sessions.
It is not always easy to laugh by yourself so find a “Laughter Yoga” class or get together  with a friend to watch funny movies or listen to funny stories and jokes. (www.laughteryoga.org)
Dropping 5-7 mmHg off your readings might not sound like a big deal but after 3 months it has a big pay off. Music and laughter can reduce your risk from stroke and heart attack by 5-15%.[1]
Three movies titles that are sure to get you laughing:
*The Music Box 1932- watch Laurel & Hardy move a piano
*Adam’s Rib 1949- Spencer Tracy & Katherine Hepburn spar in court
*My Stepmom Is an Alien 1988- alien Kim Bassinger discovers life on planet Earth
 
2.    Cats and Dogs in Your Life
 The American Heart Association published a review of 48 studies  conducted worldwide on the relationship between owning pets and cardiovascular health.
Owning a cat or a dog, walking, holding or petting them has a profoundly relaxing effect on pet owners.  It lowers blood pressure, reduces heart rate and helps us to recover faster from stress in our lives. [2]
          So get out Fido’s leash or snuggle up with Fluffy.  Let all that love you feel for your favorite pet work it's magic on you.
 
3.    Beets and Vegetables Beat Hypertension
A recent study that was conducted to determine if sodium nitrate a key ingredient in vegetables has potential to lower blood pressure and increase endurance.  The participants drank a mixture of beet  & apple juice daily. Within one hour their blood pressure dropped 4-5 mmHg and 3 hours later it dropped even more by 10-12 mmHg. Over the long term reductions like this equal a 10% decrease in risk of heart disease.
One of the most widely occurring elements in our world is nitrogen.  72 % of the air that we breathe is nitrogen. We need nitrogen for almost every metabolic process in the body.  Chemical compounds that contain nitrogen are called nitrates. 
Beets, spinach, celery, lettuce and most fruits and vegies are high in sodium nitrate . When we consume these foods the nitrates are converted to nitric oxide a gas that makes our blood vessels widen (vasodialation) which reduces our blood pressure and brings more oxygen to our muscles.
 Maybe Pop-eye the Sailor Man knew something after all. Get yourself a juicer or stop by your local juice stand. Make  a glass of fresh vegetable juice part of your daily routine. 
In a later post I will discuss food plans that normalize your blood pressure. Meanwhile-give these simple steps a try.. in just a few minutes you can lower your blood pressure today.
 

 
 

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it."
Sydney J. Harris
 
 
Resources:
1.     American College of Sports Medicine. "Laugh A Little To Help Protect Heart.
Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intle.,31 May 2009.
  <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/2013/07/05releases/151941.php>
2.    “Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk : A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association”
Circulation, 9 May 2013.
3.    Enhanced Vasodilator Activity of Nitrate in Hypertension, critical role for
Erythrocytic xanthing oxireductase and transitional potential”
Hypertension,  American Heart Association, 11100933
 
 
 
 


 




Monday, July 1, 2013

Who Needs Clinical Detox?

Eliminating Toxins and Detoxing the Body Explained
 There is a difference between eliminating waste from the body and detoxing your body by removing residues of heavy metals, pesticides, petrochemicals etc. An adult eliminates 25 lbs of normal waste each day in the form of urine, intestinal waste, perspiration and gases from the lungs. The urinary system, skin, lungs and intestines are the organs of elimination but they also do a small amount of detoxification.

It is the liver that breaks down the environmental toxins, processing them so they can be safely eliminated. The liver also protects the body from the harmful effects of the partially decomposed toxins.

Detoxification is a sophisticated conversion process which involves enzyme pathways in the liver called Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Phase 1-the transformation process of getting the compounds ready so they can ultimately leave the body safely-begins. As the toxic compounds are converted and changed-- harmful free radical chemicals and other toxic byproducts are released- these have the potential to cause rapid aging, fermentation and disease if they are not neutralized properly and adequately prepared for safe transport out of the body.

Phase 2-protective compounds are attached to the partially broken down toxic elements, free radical chemicals & toxic byproducts. Then protective measures are taken so the body is not harmed as the toxins are removed.

Phase 1 and Phase 2 must work in good balance with each other to be effective.  Once this work is completed the toxins are carried out of the body by the organs of elimination-the intestines, kidneys & bladder, lungs and skin.

It takes a very high level of metabolic energy for the liver to do this job. It is important to eat well and have substantial nutrition with lots of phytonutrients and water for healthy detox to be successful. Phytonutrients are the chemical compounds in fruits and vegetables which assist the liver in the detoxification process. They also keep the enzyme pathways in balance and assist the organs of elimination in getting the toxins out of the body as quickly as possible.

People on a deficient diet or with immune challenges, low energy, fatigue or too much stress may not be able to get rid of these toxins-- so they begin to build up in the body. As the toxins build up in addition to the orginal health challenges the individual's problems are compounded by this toxic burden.

To maintain good vitality, vibrant health and strength it's a good idea to complete a detoxing program on a regular basis.  How often this needs to be done varies greatly depending on one's state of health and their levels of exposure.

Nutritional Support for Detoxification
Fasting has long been touted as a good way to detox. Yet the body must have a high level of energy to detox in a balanced effective manor.  A fairly high degree of metabolic stress occurs during fasting which can actually break down the tissues.

People often feel good from fasting because they are saving energy by not having to digest food. Fasting can be a good way to give the body a rest especially if you are very tired and run down or have been eating unwisely.

Fasting in the traditional sense on water or with juice alone cannot meet the high metabolic demands required to break down toxins and safely get them to leave the body. Instead of fasting --a simple diet with frequent small servings of something known as Medical Foods along with vegetables and fruits, modest amounts of gluten free carbohydrates and healthy fats is ideal for rapid, safe, effective clinical detox.

Medical Foods
Medical Foods are high quality protein and fiber combinations which are non allergenic and require no digestion. They are designed to support the liver and enzyme pathways of detox while supplying high energy levels for good metabolic support and to prevent your  body from being damaged by the release of toxin.

Extracts from pomegranate, water cress, milk thistle, artichoke and green tea combined with B vitamins, amino acids and other forms of liver support offer dynamic protection for the liver as it deals with converting, changing and then releasing  toxic byproducts of the environmental contaminants in the body.

How Long Does it Take to Make a Difference?
It can happen in as little as 10-28 days but an active illness or a state of exhaustion & burn out usually requires a slow gentle approach over a 1-2 month period for most effective detoxification.

Who Needs to Detox?
In our chemically burdened world it is no longer a matter of just eating healthy-- for us to have adequate vibrant energy we must also reduce the toxic load on our bodies. Anyone who has lived on this planet long enough to take in this toxic load whether or not they feel it’s presence in their body is a good candidate for at least a 10 day Clinical Detoxing program. 

Do you just want to clean up a little?
Are you actually suffering with symptoms indicating a need for detoxing?
Do you have a chronic illness?

The goal of Clinical Detox is to heal fully and permanently so you enjoy optimal health for the rest of your life.

For more information on how Clinical Detoxing can help you subscribe to my email in the subscribe box listed below. Ask about Clinical Detox and what types of Medical Foods would work best for your body.


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