Qigong is a form of Chinese meditation and exercise intended to help the mind, spirit, and body. There is evidence that Qigong does in fact have health benefits. Let’s take a look at what Qigong is, and how it helps.

Qigong is an ancient art going back at least 2000 years, but it has only been referred to in the United States by this term since the 1950s. It had been called by various names prior to that, and had been used in the U.S. as a form of therapy. The term Qigong, pronounced “chee-gung,” is a combination of the Chinese words “qi” (energy) and “gong” (practice or work).

Practitioners of Qigong, like those who practice other Chinese meditative exercises, often refer to the body’s “qi” or life-force. Qigong is a series of exercises meant to harmonize the body, mind and spirit and aims at a unification of body forces (spiritual and physical energies). When this kind of harmony is achieved, health and vitality are purported to result. Proponents of Qigong claim that this is the way to wellness, enhancing immunity, improving blood flow, and promoting a sense of calm.  Read more...

My Finding Inspiration series was written out of a need that comes up in my practice, most often in Spring and Fall. I feel we all need a bit of enlightenment now and then to help us move forward. Finding motivation through inspiration can be the spark which sets you on your way!

Natures Gifts

Spring is here. What better time to take advantage of the power of our sense of smell!

We can find great inspiration through the power of our olfactory senses. Spring time is the season of renewal, where flowers Blossom, all green things grow and people feel a renewal of energy within themselves. People even begin to wear lighter colored clothing to match the environment around them. Seek your inspiration in the scent of fresh flowers filling the air, as well as the bloom of green Herbs. Take advantage of these natural riches.

Utilize the Essence of Aromatherapy  Read more...

The cold and flu season is upon us and many people prefer to use natural methods to fend off germs and stay well. You may have heard about effective natural remedies and would like to know how garlic can fight off flu bugs to keep you feeling great during this season of the year.

Flu, no matter which strain, can be dangerous if your body is already weakened due to other medical conditions or a weakened immune system. However, most people who come down with the flu usually recover within a week or so.

Of course, you know to cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough, wash your hands often, get plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of rest when you feel a cold or flu coming on. You can also add garlic to your repertoire of cold and flu season knowledge.  Read more...

Any gemstone makes a beautiful holiday gift! There are some obvious, as well as some not so obvious choices I would like to mention, that can make a great gift as well as have great significance.

Chiastolite

The Cross Stonesign of devotion towards awareness and dispels negativity. It signifies both death and re-birth and helps one to understand the realization of immortality. It is used as a bridge for crossing over.

It helps one to assimilate during times of change. It provides insight to answers when problem solving. This powerful crystal balances ones perspective in both creativity and practicality. During illness, it helps to maintain spirituality, lessens Fever, balances blood flow, increases secretion of milk in nursing mothers and repairs chromosome damage.

Diamond

When considering the use of a Diamond for healing purposes, one must ignore its monetary value and concentrate upon the stones unique relationship with energy. It is frequently combined with other Gems or Crystals. If used with an Aquamarine, a Diamond will increase the cleansing properties and mental soothing that Aquamarine helps to produce.  Read more...

Treatment of CFS is about managing symptoms to improve the quality of life for sufferers. There is no current cure for the disease. Behavior therapy is a consideration.

What is cognitive behavior therapy? It is a form of treatment that examines the way that a person thinks about a situation and strives to change that thinking as a coping mechanism. This is not psychoanalysis where there is thought to be a deep-seated reason for all behaviors and disease processes. The answers to feeling better lie in learning to reduce the stress associated with the condition.

There is no easy way to handle a disease. You certainly are not happy about having it. The behavior therapy is designed to change your thoughts to change your emotions. Researchers believe in the mind/body connection. You see it with stress. As the stress on your mind gets worse, so does your body.  Read more...

The subject of essential oils is an extremely complex one. Besides the fact that there are hundreds of plant extracts involved, there are issues like safety to be concerned with. Most people beginning to become more familiar with essential oils will want to do some reading.

There is a book called the Essential Oils Desk Reference. The third edition is out now. The book is compiled by Essential Science Publishers. This volume would seem to be an encyclopedic work on everything there is to know about essential oils.

It does, in fact, have information on all the basic facts of the subject. These include a long list of ailments they can help, where the oils come from, and how they are to be used. What the name doesn’t tell you is that it refers most often to a particular brand of essential oils called Young Living.  Read more...

Like any other system in the human body, the immune system will change with aging. In fact, the immune system changes throughout life. At birth specific types of immunity are not fully developed however there are some antibodies which cross the placenta from the mother during the pregnancy which protect the newborn against infection until their own immune system develops fully.

Some of the effects that have been are that the immune system becomes less able to distinguish itself from foreign proteins. As a result, the older you get the more your risk is for developing an autoimmune disorder such as Lupus or diabetes. The cells which are responsible for destroying bacteria in cancer cells, macro phages, do their work more slowly which might be the reason that cancer is much more common among older people. T cells, cells in the body which foreign proteins (antigens) have encountered in the body before, respond less quickly than they did in the early years.  Read more...

Disturbed vibrations occur in the body as a precursor of illness. Vibrational healing restores the bodys healthy vibrations. Essential Oils can be used to balance the subtle energy flows in the body.

We are surrounded by vibrations at all times. Our ears are tuned to receive sound vibrations, our eyes focus on vibrations of light which allow us to see colour, and our noses detect vibrations of aromatic molecules which allow us to become aware of scents. The most important ingredient in the Aromatherapy treatment is the Essential Oil.

Aromatherapists and perfumeries use musical language to describe scents. We talk of Essential Oils being a top, middle, and base note. About a century ago, a perfumery named Piesse arranged scents on a stave, or musical scale, and this went some way to describing the vibration of scents.

Aromas were also described by colour. Scents can be described as green or Blue or perhaps vivid red, and we mix scents as we would, colour on an artists palette.  Read more...

Color is used in many forms to heal and aid the sick, diseased and distressed. As a color therapist I use the following color to balance the 11 chakras of the physical and energy body of the person. I always start with the heart chakra, the center of the human form and the seat of the soul. Here are the colors I use to balance the 11 chakras:

Heart Chakra: Green (4th) Green is the color of harmony and balance. It is good for tired nerves and it helps with the heart area. It will balance the emotions and bring about a feeling of calmness. Green is a good general healing color because it stimulates growth so it is good for helping heal broken bones, regret of tissue of all kinds. Green is a good color for Pregnant women to help create an atmosphere of serenity and calm. Too much green may create more negative energy if there is some already present in the person being treated.  Read more...

Lighting colored Candles that coordinate with what you need. For example if you want to gain knowledge, light a yellow Candle. Light a pink Candle to send love. Blue to resolve a spiritual problem. Lavender is good for healing. Silver is good for protection.

Color Frequencies

RED Red is the color of energy, vitality and power. It is used for burning out Cancer, drying up weeping sores or wounds, etc.; it will warm cold areas to reduce pain. Red is a powerful healing agent for healing diseases of the blood and Circulation. It will help with Depression. Red is not to be used on people with High Blood Pressure or Anxiety. If you stay under the red ray too long or are exposed to red for a considerable time it will make you very agitated or even aggressive. It is associated with the male polarity. A red carpet or wall – in a place of business – will draw money. If you are a sales person – try wearing something red!!  Read more...

The following oils may assist in alleviating the complaints featured. This is not a comprehensive list nor is it considered to be a prescription for the named complaint.

Angelica Herb Seeds Roots Cough, Cold, Fever, Flatulence, Indigestion.

Aniseed Herb Seed Pod Indigestion, Coughs, Bronchitis, Catarrh.

Apricot Kernel- Oil From the Kernel premature skin aging, inflammation, dryness use 100% Minerals and Vitamins.

Avocado Pear Oil From the fruit dry skin, Eczema Add 10% to Base Oil Vitamins, protein, lecithin, Fatty Acids.

Basil Herb:- Whole Plant Bronchitis, Fatigue, Colds, Loss of Concentration, Migraine, gout, Aches & Pains, Depression, Fainting, Mental Fatigue, Migraine, Nausea, Nervous Tension, Stimulating.

Bay Tree, Leaves Sprains, Colds Flu, Insomnia, Rheumatism, Antiseptic, Decongestant, Tonic.

Benzoin- Tree, Trunk Coughs, Itching, Arthritis, Colds, Sedative.

Bergamot Peel of fruit Fevers, Acne, Tension, Wounds, Coughs, Stress, Anti-Depressant, Uplifting.

Birch Tree, Bark Gout, Rheumatism, Eczema, Ulcers.

Black Pepper- Vine, Berries Colds, Aches, Influence, Flatulence, Rheumatism.

Bois de Rose Tree, Wood Tonic, Coughs, Headaches, Antidepressant.  Read more...

Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils are some of nature’s greatest gifts to us for use in coping with the onslaught of deadly viruses, bacteria and devastating chronic diseases of today.

With new pandemics such as ‘bird flu‘ in the news, and reports that vaccines are ineffective against them, it is especially reassuring to know that the Creator made provisions to protect and care for those who look to nature for answers.

Here are just some of the reasons why you want to turn to Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils for today’s health challenges:

‘Essential Oils deliver high levels of oxygen and ozone to the cells, creating an oxygen-rich atmosphere in which pathogens cannot survive.

‘Essential Oils have powerful Antioxidant properties.

‘Essential Oils create a negative-ion environment in which pathogens cannot survive.

‘Virtually every Essential Oil is anti-bacterial, many are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic.

‘A large number of Essential Oils such as Lemon and Mountain Savory are immuno-stimulators.

‘There are no known viruses or bacteria which have developed an immunity to Essential Oils through mutation.  Read more...

What I am about to tell you will scare you into next year, especially if you have been diagnosed with herpes simplex? I want you to continue reading however before jumping to any conclusions. If you feel threatened at anytime, seek medical advice. Herpes simplex is not spelled out in doctors offices. This is a serious nerve condition, which not only causes back pain, but

The condition can lead to Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or what is commonly referred to as AIDS. The viral infection is not necessary transmitted through sexual engagements. Rather, the viral infection can develop from T-cells. The disease is a defect within the T-cells that mediate the immunity system and permits the development of this mortal opportunistic viral infection. The disease is life threatening when the immunity system is low, since it is characterized by microorganisms of a junior disease.

The disease is not necessary serious, yet it can become the cause, or pathogenic and/or life threatening when a host has lowered the immunity level.  Read more...

Aromatherapy has become a widely used term. But how well do you really know your scents and the effects they have on your emotions, mind and body? Take this quiz to find out how much you know about this ever-growing trend in natural healing.

1. You feel the need of a little morning boost to get you going. What scented lotion will help to get you on your feet?

a) Rosewood b) Rosemary c) Sandalwood d) Vanilla

2. You find yourself feeling a little down and sad. What Essential Oil can help with these emotions?

a) Lemon b) Lavender c) Bergamot d) Sweet Orange

3. You tend to feel tired in the afternoon hours. Which aroma can help you to feel energized?

a) Grapefruit b) Lemon c) Juniper d) Peppermint

4. You wake in the night and have difficulty getting back to sleep. What scented oil will have a calming effect?

a) sweet Orange b) Rosemary c) Peppermint d) Sandalwood  Read more...

The term “super foods” has been all over the news. What are these super foods and how can they help you? Here are five of the top in that category and why eating them is important.

Super foods are categorized as those foods that provide a wealth of nutrients to your body. Each food provides more than their fair share of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and other substances in one package. While there are many super foods on the market for you to try, these five are ones that you won’t want to pass on.

1. Broccoli – It is leafy and a little stinky when boiled fresh, but broccoli is the tops when it comes to providing a bevy of nutrients. Broccoli has been shown to reduce cancerous tumor production. It contains antioxidants called polyphenols which help reduce heart disease, cancer and boosts immunity. Eat it raw with fat free ranch dressing or cooked with a spray of lemon juice.  Read more...

Aventurine Stimulates the heart chakra to aid in healing on the physical plane, place in a purse or pocket to attract money. Venus, Uranus. Joy, balance, clarity.

Agate Earth, For grounding & balance. For strength, protection and support. Aids strength and courage. Compels truth, promotes good manners, happiness, intelligence, prosperity, longevity, Fertility, and good health. Assists in making and keeping friends, helpful to farmers and those interested in growing plants. Aid in restoration of energy, used in healing, and believed to bring wearer happiness, wealth, health, and long life. Increases ability to ward off self-induced anger and inner bitterness.

Alexandrite Stimulates sexual powers. Stimulates happiness, good fortune, sucess. Warm and loving stone.

Amazonite Regulates thinking faculties. Hope stone. Strengthens physical Stamina.

Amber Mercury. High electrical charge for positive energy. Harmonizes Yin and Yang. Reduces Fluid Retention and helps to detoxify the urinary system. Filters germs and infections and has the power to disinfect. Worn around the neck to help fight infection and respiratory diseases. Lifts the spirits.  Read more...

The subject of essential oils is an extremely complex one. Besides the fact that there are hundreds of plant extracts involved, there are issues like safety to be concerned with. Most people beginning to become more familiar with essential oils will want to do some reading.

There is a book called the Essential Oils Desk Reference. The third edition is out now. The book is compiled by Essential Science Publishers. This volume would seem to be an encyclopedic work on everything there is to know about essential oils.

It does, in fact, have information on all the basic facts of the subject. These include a long list of ailments they can help, where the oils come from, and how they are to be used. What the name doesn’t tell you is that it refers most often to a particular brand of essential oils called Young Living.  Read more...