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by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
Planning a healthy Thanksgiving is easy and affordable. When we think of this feast day, we think of foods laden with rich gravies, sugar filled desserts and heavy dressings. I offer up some "alternative answers" and finds substitutes for these Thanksgiving table favorites that are high in processed sugar, saturated fats and cholesterol.
Rosemary and Garlic Roasted Turkey
1 whole turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
6 to 8 garlic cloves
2 large lemons, halved
2 teaspoons dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon rubbed sage
Cut six to eight small slits in turkey skin insert garlic between the skin
and meat. Squeeze two lemon halves inside the turkey and leave them inside.
Squeeze remaining lemon over outside of turkey. Spray the turkey with
nonstick cooking spray; sprinkle with rosemary and sage.
Place on a rack in a roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 1 hour.
Cover and bake 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours longer or until a meat thermometer reads
185 degrees F. Serving: 8-10.
Super Squash Soup
1 red onion chopped fine
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups pumpkin puree
pinch of finely chopped ginger
dash of fat free milk or milk alternative (soy, rice, almond)
pinch of cinnamon
Prepare: Saute onions until tender. Add chicken stock and pumpkin puree and ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add milk (alternative) and cinnamon.
Homemade Gravy without the fat
You can make gravy from your turkey drippings but only use the drippings that are not fatty. You can see the fat floating on the top of the drippings. Skim that fat off with a table spoon before you make your gravy. After you skim off the fat on the turkey drippings then boil the drippings and add a cup of water mixed with corn starch. Mix the ingredients until they are thick like gravy.
Low Fat Gravy
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 cups reduced-sodium fat-free beef or chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch pepper
Prepare: In a saucepan, saute onion, mushrooms and parsley in 1/4 cup broth until
vegetables are tender. Combine cornstarch, pepper and 1/2 cup of broth; stir
until smooth. Add to pan with the remaining broth. Bring to a boil, stirring
occasionally: boil for 2 minutes. Serving: 2 cups.
Orange Zest Mashed Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a wonderful low calorie, low glycemic alternative to white potatoes when prepared properly.
4 medium sweet potatoes
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup hot milk (or milk alternative such as soy, almond, rice or fat free milk)
1 tsp olive oil
2 tsp orange zest
Prepare: cook sweet potatoes until tender. Peel and transfer to bowl. Stir in 1 cup pumpkin puree. Mash with fork until smooth. Stir in milk and splash in olive oil. Add orange zest and serve. Serves 6-8.
Fresh Fruit Compote
Fresh fruit is great part of any Thanksgiving meal. Fruit represents abundance and it is a great source of vitamins and fiber. Consider melons, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cherries, apricots, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or any fruit you would like and cut them into bite size pieces. Mix them all together to make a tasty fruit salad. You can cut and squeeze one lemon over the fruit. As an addition, add dried cranberries, acai berries or a handful of chopped walnuts, almond slivers or mini carob bits.
Fat Free Pumpkin Pie
Crust Ingredients:
1 cup dry bread crumbs
Filling Ingredients:
1 small Sugar pumpkin (2 lbs. size)
1 1/2 cup Pumpkin, canned
4 Egg whites
2/3 cup Sugar (or sugar alternative such as agave or stevia)
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ginger
OR
1 teaspoon Finely grated fresh ginger root
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 1/4 cup Fat free evaporated milk
Crust Preparation: Spray 9" pie plate with vegetable cooking spray. Scatter crumbs evenly pressing into plate. Spray crumbs with spray & bake crust at 350 degrees F. for 10-15 minutes until dry and lightly brown.
Cool on rack.
Filling Preparation: If using fresh pumpkin, rinse, stem, and halve pumpkin. Scrape out the seeds and cut into 2" chunks. Using paring knife, remove skin & place pumpkin in large baking dish. Add 1/2 c water & cover dish tightly with foil.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for on hour, until soft, checking to make sure that water has not evaporated, adding more if needed. Cool and puree pumpkin in food processor.
Scrape cooked fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin into bowl then whisk in egg whites. Whisk in sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg & evaporated milk, one ingredient at a time, whisking smooth between each addition.
Pour into prepared crust. Bake at 350 degree F until filling is set, 1 hour. Cool on rack. Refrigerate if prepared more than a few hours in advance of serving. Serving:6-8
A Word About Eating
Yes, it is a holiday but that does not mean you have to go into an uncontrollable spiral! Be aware of your calorie intake. If you are unsure about the calories in your meal, I feel it is essential to learn this amazing tool for effective weight loss. Record in your ledger or journal the calories of everything you put in your mouth for one week. Be in tune to the total calories you consume daily, and make an effort to replace high-fat foods with low-calorie ones like vegetables and fruits.
Discipline applies to any matter in life. I cannot stress enough how discipline is the second most important aspect in weight control or achieving any kind of success in your life! It is the secret to the most effective, efficient and well strategic plan you can give yourself! Being successful, losing weight, maintaining relationships are not tasks that come easy for most people. They are all things we must work hard on creating, keeping and maintaining! (Why do you think diet plans have *Results not typical with an asterisks? Because most people have a lack of discipline). You probably already have some forms of discipline in your life. You pay your bills by a certain time, you show up for work every day, often plan your finances, your meals or walk your dog. These are all disciplines in your life already. Some of us need a little more in our lives than others. The whole idea with these suggestions is to show you just how much you are eating, how many calories you are consuming and to get you into a pattern, which will set you up for great success!
Portion control does not have to go out the window on the holiday. This was a hard lesson for me to learn. As a dancer and someone who always worked out, I felt I had my portioning under control. I eventually learned why I would get that bloated and discomfort feeling after eating. It was my portion size. Sure I was active and exercising but as I aged and my metabolism slowed, my portions were not changing with the rest of me! Once I understood the discipline behind this, it changed my life!
If it all goes out the window in wild abandon, please, forego the guilt and take solace that although you had one day of calorie binging, it is better than doing this everyday. Guilt has never served anyone in any capacity. Making these tips a lifestyle, over time, is the key.
by Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac.
Most natural health practitioners agree that when it comes to strengthening the immune system, there is a two prong approach to keeping and staying healthy. The immune system is a fascinating network of cells, tissues, and organs, which work together to defend the body against attacks from “foreign” invaders. The body does this in two different ways. First, the body must recognize that it is being invaded, either by pathogenic disease, toxins or some other outside threat. Second, the immune response should then be activated quickly so the pathogen does not destroy many cells. The skin and mucous membranes serve as a first line of defense for preventing pathogens from entering the body. If the immune response fails to control the first onset of attack, deeper defenses mechanisms work by identifying the foreign pathogen and mounting a response that targets it for destruction.
Because a large percentage of the immune system is found in the digestive tract, developing a strong immune system from birth begins with creating a healthy digestive system. Some experts believe the percentage of immune system function in the intestinal tract can vary, based on genetics and early pathogenic diseases, which may occur, most all are in agreement that the system is in the pirus patchet. Others say the intestines account for an even greater percentage of immune function. Either way, the colon and liver need to be cleansed of the toxins and accumulated wastes that can decrease energy and weaken the immune response.
Stimulating the immune system is a short term approach to initiating a cellular change by increasing production and general activity of certain immune cells. This is done in a considerably small amount of time (a few weeks). This approach is often done at the first signs of symptoms and not as a preventative. This form of immune stimulation works by increasing the activity and defense of certain immune cells in the body.
Echinacea, Goldenseal, Vitamin C (larger doses) and Zinc.
Supporting the immune system is a long term approach to providing key nutrients to nourish the body in order for our immune defenses to work at its most optimal levels. This is done in a considerably longer amount of time (a few months). Here are some of the best ways to support your immune system:
1. Better nutrition - means eating more of a plant based diet. Everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all nutrition program but everyone can benefit from eating less processed foods, sugars, alcohol and salt.
2. Anti-inflammatory diet - is a plan rich in those foods that help to decrease inflammation. Not a diet, but a lifestyle in food choices that help the body to work at its best and healthiest levels.
3. Moderate exercise stimulates the immune response. It is the remedy for aches and pains, weight gain and poor muscle tone. Everyone, no matter what their age, must keep moving.
4. Good quality sleep is essential for the body and organ systems to repair the damage they endure daily.
5. Herbal combinations are a necessary part of any lifestyle plan. Used to increase the immune response and support a healthy lifestyle, you should consider herbs and nutrients such as a good daily multi-vitamin, maitake and reishi mushrooms, olive leaf, colostrum, garlic.
6. A combination of antioxidants such as turmeric, alpha lipoic acid, green tea, pycnogenol, resveratol, acetyl-l-carnitine, carotenoids and Coenzyme Q10.
7.Digestive enzymes work on the digestive tract, a major area for immune support. Consider pre and probiotics, bromelain, fiber, quercetin, and grape seed extract.
8. Avoid repeated stressful situations, excess fear, anxiety, and depression. Stress factors and negative emotions can undermine and compromise immune function. Holistic therapies can be extremely helpful in overcoming stress and maintaining a balanced and a peaceful state of mind. Consider acupuncture, herbal medicine, laughter, massage, meditation, music and yoga to name a few.
9. An occasional, gentle detox is a great way to help the body when it becomes overwhelmed by our get-it-done, do-it-now lifestyles. Consider such detoxes as the juice therapy detox, yoga detox or food detox.
10. Listen to your body. Your body will let you know when it is becoming rundown, lethargic, tired, feelings of being overwhelmed, depressed, anxious and extremely stressed. Listen to your body and follow its lead. It will always help with the solutions.
by Jonny Bowden, Forbes.com
The most important consideration in constructing a healthy diet: Eat whole foods that have had minimal processing.
What is the best diet for human beings?
Vegetarian? Vegan? High-protein? Low-fat? Dairy-Free?
Hold on to your shopping carts: There is no perfect diet for human beings. At least not one that's based on how much protein, fat or carbohydrates you eat.
People have lived and thrived on high-protein, high-fat diets (the Inuit of Greenland); on low-protein, high-carb diets (the indigenous peoples of southern Africa); on diets high in raw milk and cream (the people of the Loetschental Valley in Switzerland); diets high in saturated fat (the Trobriand Islanders) and even on diets in which animal blood is considered a staple (the Massai of Kenya and Tanzania). And folks have thrived on these diets without the ravages of degenerative diseases that are so epidemic in modern American life-heart disease, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis and cancer.
In Pictures: The Healthiest Foods On Earth
The only thing these diets have in common is that they're all based on whole foods with minimal processing. Nuts, berries, beans, raw milk, grass-fed meat. Whole, real, unprocessed food is almost always healthy, regardless of how many grams of carbs, protein or fat it contains.
All these healthy diets have in common the fact that they are absent foods with bar codes. They are also extremely low in sugar. In fact, the number of modern or ancient societies known for health and longevity that have consumed a diet high in sugar would be ... let's see ... zero.
Truth be told, what you eat probably matters less than how much processing it's undergone. Real food-whole food with minimal processing-contains a virtual pharmacy of nutrients, phytochemicals, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and healthful fats, and can easily keep you alive and thriving into your 10th decade.
Berries, for example, are phenomenally low in calories, high in fiber and loaded with plant compounds that improve memory and help fight cancer. Studies have consistently shown that nut-eaters have lower rates of heart disease. Beans are notorious for their high fiber content and are a part of the diet of people-from almost every corner of the globe-who live long and well.
Protein--the word comes from a Greek word meaning "of prime importance"-is a feature of every healthy diet ever studied. Meat, contrary to its terrible reputation, can be a health food if-and this is a big if-the meat comes from animals that have been raised on pasture land, have never seen the inside of a feedlot farm and have never been shot full of antibiotics and hormones.
Ditto for raw milk, generally believed to be one of the healthiest beverages on the planet by countless devotees who often go to great expense and inconvenience to obtain it from small, sustainable farms. Wild salmon, whose omega-3 content is consistently higher than its less-fortunate, farm-raised brethren, gets its red color from a powerful antioxidant called astaxathin. The combination of protein, omega-3s and antioxidants makes wild salmon a contender for anyone's list of great foods.
Another great food: eggs-one of nature's most perfect creations, especially if you don't throw out the all-important yolk. (Remember "whole" foods means exactly that-foods in their original form. Our robust ancestors did not eat "low-fat" caribou; we don't need to eat "egg-white" omelets.)
There are really no "bad" vegetables, but some of them are superstars. Any vegetable from the Brassica genus-broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale-is loaded with plant chemicals called indoles, which help reduce the risk of cancer.
In the fruit kingdom, apples totally deserve their reputation as doctor-repellents: they're loaded with fiber, minerals (like bone-building boron) and phytochemicals (like quercetin, which is known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and to have anti-cancer properties). Some exciting new research suggests that pomegranate juice slows the progression of certain cancers. Other research shows it lowers blood pressure and may even act as a "natural Viagra."
Tea deserves special mention on any list of the world's healthiest foods. The second most widely consumed beverage in the world (after water), all forms of tea (black, oolong, white, green and the newer Yerba Matte) are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Some types (green tea, for example) contain plant chemicals called catechins which have decidedly anti-cancer activity.
Finally, let's not forget members of the Alliaceae family of plants-onions, garlic and shallots. Garlic has been used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties; hundreds of published studies support its antimicrobial effects as well as its ability to lower the risk of heart disease. A number of studies have shown an inverse relationship between onion consumption and certain types of cancer.
A healthy diet doesn't have to contain every one of the "healthiest foods on earth," but you can't go wrong putting as many of the above mentioned foods in heavy rotation on your personal eating plan.
About the Author:Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., is a board-certified nutritionist and the author of seven books on health and nutrition, including The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy and The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.
by Roseanna Leaton
When did you take the time to notice how much your immediate environment impacts upon your sense of well-being? Most of us are too busy these days to notice the things which are vitally important to our equilibrium. And so it is no wonder that so many people suffer from stress and anxiety, and lack a feeling of balance and groundedness. We do things on a "need to do" basis and yet do not consider what should be our most basic needs.
We do not, after all, live in a "vacuum". We are constantly affected by a steady stream of sensory input. We see, hear, smell, taste and feel our way through life, and our minds are so quick and bright that they make sense of this input in a fraction of a second. Without realizing it our energy levels are affected by every tiny little bit of this sensory perception. Each sound vibrates with its own frequency of energy, and we receive energy signals from all around us.
If you spend a lot of time in a hectic or negative environment you will be picking up on this energy and will eventual adjust to resonate with it. It is not surprising that it becomes easy to feel "out of sync" or "out of kilter". Your own energy is in effect being pushed off balance, away from your norm, away from a feeling of equilibrium. You can feel like a small sailing boat being buffeted by a storm. The choices one has when caught in a storm are limited; you could take the sail down and ride the storm out, or perhaps your boat has a powerful engine which can take you safely back to shore, or perhaps you no longer have the presence of mind to think straight and thus leave your sails up?
Everyone needs balance and internally craves to be in a place where they can feel comfortable and grounded. Yes, we need to step outside our comfort zones in order to grow and develop. But was also need to be able to return to a feeling of peace and tranquility. Our energy needs to be replenished from time to time, and an easy way in which to do this is to take a walk in beautiful surroundings, in the fresh air, amongst growing plants, flowers and trees. The energy from these natural growing and flourishing leaves and petals will reach out to you and you will instinctively resonate with it. And it's not only the energy from the plants that you will benefit from, it's the quality of natural light from being outside, the feeling of sunlight on your skin, the peaceful way in which water moves to and fro. All of this has an inevitable power to relax and relieve your stresses and strains.
The simple fact is that the things which are natural in our environment have the power to recharge our energy and revive us. Things which are unnatural can never quite imitate this natural reaction. If you are feeling "out of sorts" you can try a simple thing - go for a walk, somewhere in the countryside if at all possible, and intentionally notice everything around you. Take each of your senses in turn and notice what comes into your awareness. Really notice every moment - be "in the now". In doing this you are achieving more than you may think was possible. Firstly, you are directing your focus upon nature and in doing so you will feel greater impact from the energy this provides. And secondly, as your attention is absorbed "in the now" you are effectively distracting yourself from worries, tensions or fears.
It may take some effort on your part to keep your attention focused in the now, but you will get better with practice. You can also obtain hypnosis downloads which will speed up this process and make it more and more automatic for you. Another benefit of hypnosis downloads is that you can mentally "go for a walk" when you are unable to do so in physical reality. Hypnosis is a state which allows greater ability to imagine things and you can visualize a perfect natural landscape and in effect create a "mental holiday" for yourself. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and allows you to take a step back, enabling you to get back "in sync" and bring balance back into your life.
Roseanna Leaton, specialist in hypnosis downloads for your well-being.
About the Author: With a degree in psychology and qualifications in hypnotherapy, NLP and sports psychology, Roseanna Leaton is one of the leading practitioners of self-improvement. You can get a free self hypnosis mp3 from http://www.RoseannaLeaton.com and peruse her extensive library of hypnosis mp3 downloads for self-help and success.
by Suzi List Owner
Health Awareness
Cinnamon and Honey
Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what
some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left
in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call
"crystallizing".
When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey
container in the hot water, off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good
as it ever was.
Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the
honey.
Cinnamon and Honey
~ Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.~
Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:
It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey
is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also
accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all
kinds of diseases.
Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.
Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the
right
do sage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.
Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995
has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and
cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES:
Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly
and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in
the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.
Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily,
they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above
process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the
heart beat.
In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients
successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose
their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the
arteries and veins.
ARTHRITIS:
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water
with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken
regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a
recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University , it was found that
when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon
Honey and half
teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast,
they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically
73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all
the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started
walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS:
Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass
of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.
CHOLESTEROL:
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16
ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce
the
level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.
As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic
cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal,
pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS:
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon
lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This
process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
UPSET STOMACH:
Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach
ulcers from the
root.
GAS:
According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if
Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:
Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and
protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found
that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of
Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral
diseases.
INDIGESTION:
Cinnamon
powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food
relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.
INFLUENZA:
A scientist in Spain has proved t hat honey contains a natural ' Ingredient'
which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the
ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon
powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup,
three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old
age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year
old, starts performing the
chores of a 20-year-old.
PIMPLES:
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply
this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning
with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the
root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:
Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts
cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.
WEIGHT LOSS:
Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast
on an empty stomach, and
at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup
of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese
person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to
accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER:
Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of
the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from
these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of
honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
FATIGUE:
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful
rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens,
who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are
more alert and flexible. Dr... Milton, who has done research, says that a half
tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon
powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at
about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases
the vitality of the body within a week.
BAD BREATH:
People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one
teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their
breath
stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS:
Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts
restores hearing. Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter
and cinnamon sprinkled on it!
by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
Making a sacred space of your own, whether it be an alter, meditation
space, area for your crystal treasures or just room for you to
breath, can be a fun and exciting choice.
1. First, find a space to use on a regular basis for "your" space.
Doing this,conditions your mind to become familiar and therefore feel
relaxed once you are in the space, as it allows you to ascend. In
time, just sitting in your space will immediately relax you.
Your space can be a small area in your home where you can sit with
your eyes closed for at least a few minutes each day. Choose a clean,
quiet place away from all distractions where you can sit on a chair
or on the floor. If you use a chair, choose one that allows you to
keep your back as straight as possible. If you sit on the floor, you
may want to lean your back against something so that you can keep it
straight.
2. Whatever area you choose to use, you first want to cleanse/clear
that space.
Space clearing can be done on a physical level by decluttering your
surroundings. It can also be done on a metaphysical level with such
tools as herbs, salts, crystals, incense, oils and yes, intention.
The power of (halite crystal) sea salt is a safe and effective way to
clear and cleanse any space of negative energy. Sea salt is obtained
by evaporating seawater. Energy in itself, is the vital source, which
radiates from everything and everyone around us. When we are ill,
emotionally upset, angered or imbalanced, our moods and of course,
our energy is altered. Coming in contact with energy that is negative
can often be sensed, even felt. The result is often a feeling of
uneasiness, confusion or an opposed feeling to our current state of
mind. Cleansing with sea salt or rock salt is preferred over iodized,
processed table salt.
Cleansing a room with salt can be done by placing salt in small bowls
and placing them in the 4 corners for 24 hours. Take two teaspoons of
sea salt and dissolve it into some warm water. Pour it into a mister
or spray bottle and spray it wherever you need cleansing.
Adding herbs or essential oils to sea salt can give an added bonus to
cleansing. Herbs such as lavender, sandalwood, tea tree, thyme, and
rosemary are all good compliments. When using herbs, place them in
the salt and shake the salt in a closed container. This bruises the
herbs and allows its essential oils to incorporate into the salt
matrix. When using essential oils, add a few drops to salt and then
stir or shake the salt in order to mix them well.
Misting yourself for an overall clearing can do cleansing of negative
vibes. Draw a bath. As the hot water is filling the tube, add two or
more tablespoons of sea salt to the running water and stir it so it
dissolves in the tube. Relax in your bath for 15-20 minutes.
3. For a few days just sit quietly in your space for five to ten
minutes. This will help establish your energy.
4. Before you sit, consider using the following "tools" to help
increase your intention for the space.
a.) You may light a candle or some incense, if you like. Eventually,
lighting the candle or incense will signal your brain that it's time
for "sacred time".
b.) Place in your space only items you absolutely love
unconditionally. Do not place it there just because you think it
belongs there. These "tools" should be items that empower you, give
you strength, energy and allow you to feel good.
c.) Add your most special crystals into your space. You can create a
border with them or design an area or "cluster" just for them.
d.) Remember, this is a living breathing space, so any items that
served you this day, may not serve you tomorrow. So feel free to
bring into your space different items (or crystals) that work for
your that day.
e.) Now, sprinkle with intention. Intention is a tool that can be
used to bring about change. With clear intent, we formulate a greater
deliberateness in order to achieve the end result.
The Map of Intention
When you break down the process of what true intention really is, you
will find a process that unfolds before you. By applying this
process, you create your intention. Here is how you map out your
intentions:
1. Have purpose : Your reason behind your intention is purpose.
Having a purpose infers a more determined path.
2. Design your intent : This suggests a more careful, laid out and
calculated plan of action. What, when, why where, how.
3. Improve your aim : By improving your aim, you add to your
implications or target effort directed toward attaining your
intention.
4. Gain your objective : Create a clear objective by aiming for
something tangible and immediately attainable.
5. Reach your goal : The goal is the result of your intention, put
into action and attaining it by thought out effort and un-waiving
focus.
You have now created your sacred space. Bring to it what you want.
Use it for what it is and allow it to remain sacred.
We are always looking for experts to write informative, interesting articles on alternative health, healing, the metaphysical arts, massage therapy, color therapy, yoga therapy...
Articles can be on your:
*expertise in your field.
*your knowledge in regards to healing.
*your work with clients and their energies.
* your methods, techniques and "bedside manners" to enhance health.
* knowledge you have regarding your therapies.
....so many subjects, so many articles!!
Just email them to us directly:
Write Article Comments, Questions? Please E-mail Us
My writing staff will go over them and we will post them both to the Alternative Answers community at YahooGroups.com and to our website at Peacefulmind.com under the appropriate therapies on our site!
You will be given full credit: Your name and business practice address and website address, and phone number (if you prefer).
We look forward to your "pearls of wisdom"!
What is your experience with alternative and complementary medicine? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community.
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Questions? Comments! Order Help? Please Contact Andrew
ProAcuMed Inc.
"Purveyors of Healthy Qi"
order online or call
917 843 3623 tel
