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by Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac. (excerpt from Soul Satisfying Journeys)
Since the time I was 14 and saw the movie, The Song of Bernadette on television, I was always enamored by the incredible life of Saint Bernadette Soubirous, who, from February to July 1858 in Lourdes, France, reported 18 visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Now, 34 years later, my partner brought about this life long dream, booking us on a flight to Paris. On the eve of my birthday, June 21st, the summer solstice, we arrived in Lourdes. For the first time, we were going to see the grotto and springs I so often thought about! From the airport, we took a taxi for about a twenty minute ride through the French countryside. The stunning Pyrenees mountains raised there gracious heads seeming to pierce the low hanging clouds. As we rounded a bend we approach the village, the little town seemed to grow and grow. The taxi dropped us off at the hotel along the main street.
We quickly checked in at the front desk and the clerk directed us down the street to the basilica. We would wind our way down the cobblestone street passing a mired of souvenirs of the Blessed Virgin, rosary beads, bottles in every shape and size to gather water from the spring, posters, statues, dolls, toys and even bags of almonds and chocolates made to look like pebbles.
As we rounded the last bend going down the hill, the sun pierced through the clouds as our eyes became fixed on this huge basilica, framed by the Pyrenees on one side and the sloping path to the river and grotto on the other. My only reference was seeing Cinderella's castle in Disney or when Dorothy and her friends came out of the forest to see Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz. It was a magnificent site! The sun hit the top of the church just as the bells began to toll 4pm. As we got closer we could see the large castle fort on the top of a hill to our left and the Gave de Pau river racing under the bridge in front of us. The street was a buzz with many people seeming to have the same reaction as we did.
As we approach the basilica, there was a statue of Bernadette herding her sheep. In front of the basilica was a large statue of the Virgin Mary known as the Crowned Statue, surrounded by rose bushes.
The basilica, is actually called The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes or most commonly known as the Domain. The Crypt was the first of the churches to be completed in the Domain and is today among the smallest. Bernadette's father worked on its construction and was present at its official opening, The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, also known as the Upper Basilica, was the second of the churches to be completed and consecrated in 1876. This beautiful and very impressive, Gothic style, sanctuary emerges directly from the rocks of Massabielle directly above the grotto. The Rosary Basilica is the third church to be completed, in 1899. Its architecture was done to reflect Byzantine times. A dome tops the open circular nave. The exterior dome is graced by a dramatic gilded crown and cross, a gift from the people of Ireland in 1924. Facing this grand structure you can find a depiction of the Luminous Mysteries, which were added to the traditional fifteen by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
Making our way past the basilica on the right, the grounds slope down to a gentle river below. On the left we found the waters of Lourdes. Lourdes water flows from a spring discovered by Bernadette. This original spring was found in the grotto where Bernadette was asked by the Blessed Virgin to dig in the ground and drink from the water of the spring she found there. At first there was nothing but damp mud coming from the ground, but, the water came forth and the stream became increasingly clean. As word spread, this water was given to medical patients of all kinds, and numerous miracle cures were reported. The water now flows at 40 litres per minute and is collected in a cistern, and dispensed by a system of taps near the grotto. Everyone is free to drink it or collect it in bottles or other containers to take with them. The original spring can be seen within the grotto, lit from below, and protected by a glass screen. As we came upon the springs we only had a small pint size water bottle in our bag. Tonio immediately ran to a tap and filled the small water bottle.
We proceeded to the grotto, waiting in line to be one of the hundreds of people to walk by and admire the place where Bernadette saw the Blessed Virgin. As we entered the rocky cavern like grotto, we ran our hands along the cold damp stone, imagining what the experience could have possibly felt like! I can recall simply saying the Hail Mary prayer over and over again, chills running up and down my spine. Walking out of the grotto, we walked along the baths and candle stations admiring all the hundreds of candles lit in prayer and hopefulness.
That evening we participated in the Procession. The Blessed Sacrament Torchlight Procession is held daily at 8.45 pm. The procession began at the open-air altar in the Prairie, and was led by a priest carrying a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Throngs of people followed the illuminated statue of the Blessed Virgin carried on the shoulders of 6 men from the grotto to the steps of the basilica. The focus of the procession was the rosary. All five decades were recited, in a variety of languages. The night was slightly damp and there was a rainy drizzle, but everyone's candles stayed lit. There was a final blessing in Latin, and then an invitation to exchange the sign of peace with everyone around us. It was an overwhelming sense of love that was felt, as every person there was drawn to this magical place for the exact same reason!
The following morning, we were up for the 6 am mass. The morning air was crisp with a slight dew in the air. On our way out of the mass, we found ourselves in the middle of a sea of nurses, priest, nuns and workers from around the grounds. They were all chatting or laughing after mass in every language you could imagine. Rosary Square seemed so empty compared to the day before, now with just the mass attendees and us. I remember an overwhelming sense of peace that flushed over me. Staring at the magnificent surroundings and the attendees and open space, it created a sense of calm I still refer back to as my "peace of Lourdes". After mass, we had breakfast in town near the Italian hospice. We were up early for mass, so now it was only about 7:30 am. We were enjoying a wonderful French breakfast of cafe au lait and croissant, as we began to see the beginnings of a parade of the sick, each one being carted down on stretchers, in wheelchairs, in four wheeled wagons, all in one straight line down the hill! We finished our cafe and out of curiosity followed the procession down the hill. As we did we found ourselves going into a mammoth underground structure. The Basilica of St. Pius X, known as the Underground Basilica, is the largest and most controversial of the Domain's churches, as well as the largest church in France. Designed by Pierre Vago and completed in 1958, this modern, concrete building, is almost entirely underground. When full, it can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. The inner church was sparsely decorated and not at all as ornate as the basilica above, yet it had its own charm! A concrete altar in the center of the structure and chairs streaming out in four directions from this point, made it the focal point of the room. Banners of the saints and those waiting to become saints hung above the crowd. The church was full of worshippers and in the center, all the sick we had followed in there for mass. We stayed for another service. After mass, we strolled back through the crowds of people milling about and the throngs of new people coming over the bridge for the first time to experience what we just did the day before. Our time at Lourdes was up. It seemed like there were so many more things to do and see, but that would have to be saved for the next visit.
Once back in the states, I was talking to several friends, colleagues and patients about my trip. After my recollection of the trip, it seemed that the first question from everyone was "did I experience any healing miracles?"
These were my miracles from Lourdes:
-Whenever I find myself stressed, since my trip, I close my eyes and take myself back to my "peace of Lourdes". The overwhelming sense of calm I received that day in Rosary Square, after mass, was a gift I took with me.
-Tonio filled a tiny little water bottle up at the springs because it was the only bottle we had at the time to pour water into. We knew there were so many friends and family who asked us for the healing waters, we bought 23 little bottles for holy water. That night in our hotel, we started filling our little bottles from the pint bottle we had at the grotto. We thought there was no way we could fill all 23 bottles from the small one we had. As we poured out water, the water in the little bottle seemed to multiply to the point that it filled EXACTLY the 23 bottles we bought for others right down to the very last drop! I remember we looked at each other in absolute disbelief!
-Since 2003, the airlines only allow 3 oz of liquid on the plane per passenger. With not even thinking about this at the time, we were going through security, when they pulled me from the line and asked to check my bags. This has probably happened to me three times in years of flying. The security guard took my bag apart apparently searching for something that showed up on the x-ray machine. After two security people went through my bag, they appeared satisfied and let me repack the bag they had just gone through so vehemently, never seeing nor saying anything. After the incident, I was perplexed. What made them stop me? What made them want to go through my bag so thoroughly? Then it finally dawned on me, perhaps it was the 23 bottles of water, which they never discovered! I realized what a blessing it seemed to be and made sure the minute I got home, I would distribute this Lourdes water to those who prayed for me to bring it home!
by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
I have traveled all over the world and have visited some beautiful beaches; Phuket in Thailand, Hamoa Beach and the Big Beach in Maui, Kuta Beach in Bali and the sugary sand beaches of Cancun.
Out of so many, there is only one that I always want to go back to and that is South Beach in Miami. This sacred jewel situated between the mainland and the sea, is a strip of beach that is kissed by the warm
Gulf Stream, which rises to meet the sand along Miami Beach. This part of the Gulf Stream, referred to as the Florida current, maintains an average water temperature at or above 25 °C (77 °F) during the winter.
The East winds move over this warm water and move warm air from over the Gulf Stream inland. This helps to keep temperatures milder across the state than anywhere else across the Southeast, especially during the winter.
When the Gulf Stream meanders up along this precious beach, it reveals the most beautiful blue green water, that I see nowhere else. The most healing color combination in the light spectrum, these turquoise waters hold a
magical spell over me. In the summer months, the water is also so incredibly warm, it is like slipping into a soothing blanket. I spend hours at a time in this water, splashing about, exercising, floating and just giving thanks in a ritual I perform every time I submerge my body in its embrace.
When I was a teenager, I first remember seeing Miami Beach with my parents, grandparents and brother, Steven in the late 70's. Miami Beach was used as a retirement community with most of its ocean front hotels and apartment buildings
filled with elderly people living on small, fixed incomes. I will always recall the hundreds of elderly people sitting on rocking chairs on the very large porches
outside their hotels and apartments. This was the place known as the retirement strip. The area of Florida where you would come to retire and eventually die.
I was reintroduced to Miami Beach in the early 90's, approximately 8 years after the area was saved as a cohesive Art Deco unit by Barbara Capitman and a group of activists who spearheaded the movement to place almost one square mile of
South Beach on the National Register of Historic Places. The Miami Beach Architectural District was designated in 1979. This allowed for the protection of every Art Deco building to be preserved from its early days of the late 1920's to early 30's.
South Beach is about 23 blocks south of Indian Creek to the tip of South Point. This is when I rediscovered Miami Beach and the sanctuary it would become. Rich in vegetation, a glow with the most amazing light, warm gulf water and mystical sand
bars, this beach seemed to be perched on a precipice that was sacred ground. This tropical paradise would become my most inspiring muse, a place of many metaphysical discoveries and the place I would always come back to in my mind's eye!
South Beach is the place where I bought my first home. Inspired by my partner, Tonio, he would be the one who most influenced the decision to buy in this new hot spot! Sitting on the south end of Flamingo Park and overlooking the ocean to the east, this home has become a place for me to come and relax. To entertain friends and family over the season, at holidays and in the summer.
It is a home where I am most inspired with ideas and a place that sparks inspiration for my writings. Although still a very new and up and coming area in the mid 90's, South Beach was raw and full of amazing possibilities. You could just feel the kinetic energy surrounding this special island. It was a place not yet full formed. It was truly a diamond in the rough, when we bought here.
I remember how Lincoln Road was an abandon strip mall with shops that had closed down in the late 70's, completely unkept and undeveloped. The minute you would walk past Ocean Drive coming from the beach, you would still see many hotels and businesses boarded up and abandoned.
But, you could feel transformation in the air! And transform it did.
Tonio and I would spend our winters here. We would spend our days frolicking on the beach, eating delicious Cuban food and renovating the condo. I remember meeting up with Gianni Versace many afternoons on the beach. We would discuss with him the beautiful and magical place that is South Beach.
We would talk fashion and industry, beauty and design, all during our many blissful days of sunbathing.
South Beach is the place where I met one of my treasured metaphysical mentors and teacher, Zachary Selig, who has also become a lifelong friend. I recall the many days we spent talking about and debating metaphysical teachings,
practicing our yoga and swimming in the warm cleansing waters. South Beach is the place we say "we ran around when we were children" and in many ways, where we grew up! I am a greater person for knowing Zachary and I am forever grateful for all he has freely
given me!
The mystical ocean is where I discovered the healing powers from floating. One cloudless morning, I went to the beach early in the morning to do my yoga. After I had worked up a sweat in the reaches of the morning light, I jumped in the ocean. I lay back in the azure water and let my body float on the surface.
As I lay there being held and caressed by the magical waters, I could feel the tension in my shoulders release. Then my lower back relaxed and then my hips. It was literally a chain reaction. The more I let go and gave my body up to the floating sensation, the more my body simply unwound! Since that
day, not a time goes by that I don't wade into the waters and float, sometimes hours at a time!
I recall the great fun I had one summer day when two colleagues of mine from acupuncture school, came and spent a most wonderful day with me! Stacey Van Gorder, L.Ac. and Ellie Tansey L.Ac.
came to South Beach to visit me and what a memorable time we had! I remember showing them how to "wave ride" the huge swells of water that day. We spent hours bobbing up and down in the beautiful water, riding the waves to shore, laughing and sharing the day. Afterwards we had a nice lunch on my
terrace. Both girls were friends from school and study buddies, but that day we become so much closer and bonded in a very special way that I will never forget. It was the perfect day.
My parents come to visit on the holidays. We have spent some wonderful Thanksgivings, Christmases and New Years, sharing big meals, watching spectacular fireworks and exchanging memories. There was one particular day we went to the beach. My mom was relaxing with a good book on
the pristine beach and my dad and I took a long walk along the shore. I remember walking all the way to the northern most tip of South Beach before it rounds a bend and you can no longer see the southern most tip of the beach. It was quit a long walk and I recall being concerned that my mom
would begin to worry about us. But that day, my dad and I had wonderful conversation and shared many memories. It is a special moment I will always revisit every time I look at the furthest point north on South Beach.
It is now 15 years later that I am writing this. It is still an amazing place for me to come and rejuvenate. I continue to find my inspiration from the nature surrounding me. I enjoy my long walks around South Beach. I look forward to my stops for lunch and moments sipping coffee on Lincoln Road. I love experiencing the warm
waters of this magical beach as they have given me more joy than I could ever express in words.
by Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac. (excerpt from Crystal Medicine - A Clinical Approach to Healing Mind, Body, Spirit
Depression is the most prevalent of all the emotional disorders. Symptoms may vary from feelings of minor sadness to sheer misery and dejection. When sadness persists and impairs daily life, it maybe an indication of a depressive disorder. Depression brings together a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, which together constitute a syndrome. Depression is considered "Anger turned inward". (See also: Anger). This is a situation that should be addressed. The external manifestations represent a cry for help from the tormented mind of the depressed persons. The severely depressed patient feels worthless and is finally convinced that he himself is responsible for his undoing and his present state of hopeless despair. Depleted functioning of the adrenal glands is one of the main causes of mental depression.
The Root Chakra represents physical identity, oriented to self-preservation. This chakra forms our foundation. It represents the element earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies and the physical plane.
Also address the Heart Chakra when healing abandonment issues. This chakra is most important in all facets of love, when it is balanced; you trust in others, take risks, love and feel loved.
Allow The Universe To Take Over!
- Learn to breathe deeply and fully. Your breath is your connection to relaxation and inner peace.
- I relax and let go. Say this 4 or 5 times and watch how your body and mind relax.
- You have no motivation: MOVE!! Exercise is the key to regulating your mind and body.
- Metaphysical expert Louise Hay sees depression as: Anger you feel you do not have a right to have. Hopelessness.
- Use this affirmation: I now go beyond other's fears and limitations. I CREATE MY LIFE!
Create a Crystal Net with clear quartz points. Use any energizing grid that encircles the body.
Ask the patient to choose from a pink or green stone. The crystal they choose, place at the Heart Chakra.
Consider the following stones by color:
Yellow - Associated with joy and happiness. It is a stimulant to the brain, the liver and the spleen. It is also effective in the treatment of indigestion, kidney and liver disorders, constipation, eye and throat infections, syphilis and impotence. In using yellow, it allows clarity of thought. It gives good ideas and awareness. It has a powerful effect on the nervous system and assists the left brain in operation.
Orange - Orange is the best stimulant, helping us in times of depression, loneliness, and boredom. It is the best emotional stimulant. Joy comes from orange energy. Orange has the love from red and the wisdom from yellow. It strengthens confidence and allows independence. In using orange, you can learn to understand how the stomach tells us about our physical situations.
Specific stones can benefit on many levels:
Blue Lace Agate relieves repression and suppression of feeling stemming from fear.
Hematite is grounding, protecting. Dissolves and protects negative energy from entering the aura
Sunstone brings light and sunshine to life. It is a great stone for depression.
Fire Opal is for those feeling disconnected, indifferent and empty.
Amber helps with feeling of suicide and depression.
Pyrite helps with melancholy and deep despair.
Jet balances mood swings, helps one “take control” and lifts depression by bringing balance.
Lapis Lazuli helps us express ourselves. It amplifies and stimulates the higher mind.
Moonstone soothes emotional instability, calms overreactions and helps us understand old emotional patterns.
Support this treatment by making a gem essence of any of the above stones.
Carry 4 of the above stones with you.
Make a grid for self-realization and self-expression. Use a place mat or grid mat. On a piece of paper, write a positive affirmation or realization of how you want to heal yourself. Be specific with the intention. Fold the paper and place it under a clear quartz stone in the middle. Around that stone place 5 or 7 stones that you (or patient) relate to. Trace the grid with a single terminated stone to transform the intention and then let it go.
For further reading, please see Alternative Answers for Depression
by G. Kumar
Theology states that God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh
The priesthood do not believe in the Law of Evolution, which states that man
evolved from the apes. This transvaluation instigated by Charles Darwin robbed
man of the privilege of having been specially created.
From a broader philosophical perspective, we can say that the Lord did not
create
the world. He became this world. He is all this. ” All this is Brahman alone,
all this magnificent Universe” averrs the Upanishads.
The sum total Energy in the Universe is an absolute constant and does not
change.
This is the Universal Being, which knoweth no destruction. ” Know that to be
imperishable by which all this is pervaded” says the Geetha.
Dr Erasmus Darwin drew inspiration from the Theory of Reincarnation and the
Theory
of the Ten Incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The first incarnation was that of a
fish,
indicating that life came from the sea and that our ancestors were aquatic. The
summum bonum is the Enlightened One, the Buddha. Finally Charles Darwin, his
grandson, established the Law of Evolution in his Origin of the Species.
While on the absolute plane there is no destruction, forms are changing on the
relative plane. Matter exists in three forms - solid, liquid and gaseous.
Nothing
ever begins to be. It only undergoes a transformation into conditions which
preexisted
in other conditions. Ice when heated becomes water, which when heated becomes
steam, which when cooled becomes water, which when cooled becomes ice again.
So on the relative plane, forms only undergo transformation.
The Theory of Reincarnation - Symblic of the Evolution of Consciousness
The Theory of Reincarnation states that the Soul takes successive births and
evolves to the Absolute, the Godhead, through the Evolution of Consciousness.
Life does not, at physical birth, begin to be. It merely enters physical
conditions
and assumes physical guise.
There are three types of men
The Animal Man - Here Consciousness is on the animal level. Hence we find
criminals
and crackpots in society.
The Human Man - Here Consciousness is on the human level. Man is all mixed, viz,
Virtue and Vice are mixed in him
The Divine Man - Here Consciousness is on the Divine level. He had achieved
union
with the Absolute Self.
The Evolution of Consiousness begins from Animal Man and ends in Divine Man.
The Theory of the Ten Incarnations is also symbolic. It depicts the journey of
the Soul from the unicellular amoeba to the Enlightened Man.
Be the Enlightened Man, the Divine Man, is the message of Transcendental Wisdom!
Article by G Kumar, numerologist, writer & programmer of www.eastrovedica.com.
He has 25 years psychic research experience in the esoteric arts. He gives free
tips at http://www.eastrovedica.net and stock market investment advice can be
got at http://www.stockmarketastrology.com
excerpt from Andrew Pacholyk's: The Complete Feng Shui Journal
The first lesson is to start small! Start with your desk, a closet,
or one room. It is easy to get overwhelmed when deculttering. Do not
allow it.
1. I love to clear the space of everything. Take a look at the empty
space. Ahhh…. Remember when this last occurred? How do you feel in
this space now?
2. Take a look at the items you removed. One by one, look over each and
every item. Do you absolutely love it? How does it serve you? Is
there an emotional attachment to it? Is it a good one or a bad one?
3. Items with bad emotions connected to them or items you do not
absolutely love or serve you, get rid of them now!
4. The items that you do love, why is it? How well does it serve you or
play a particular purpose?
If you save it, find a great place for it, where it will do the most
good.
5. Make a pile, box or space for all the items you do not need, want or
do not serve you. You can separate them into smaller piles to give
them away, gift them or sell them. Throw out the items you wish to
discard ASAP. There is an amazing feeling attached to an item (or
emotion) we let go of!!
6. Note on giving or gifting items: Charities such as the Salvation
Army, shelters or churches are usually very happy to take the items
you wish to give them. They usually prefer clothes to be cleaned or
dry cleaned. The items you decide to gift should be something very
special to a specific person who you feel would really love the item
or could really benefit from it. Do not just gift it to get rid of
it. It is better to just throw it out if you cannot find an
appropriate outlet for it!
7. The power of letting go offers the possibility of two types of peace:
peace of mind -- the potential healing of old emotional connections,
wounds, or a clearer consciousness and peace with others -- the
possibility of new, more gratifying relationships in the future.
8. It takes no strength to let go. . . only courage. Life either
expands or contracts in direct proportion to your courage to let go.
By giving this fear up to the Universe to handle, you are essentially
allowing yourself to let go and release this fear, and in turn, strip
away any kind of meaning or significance it may have upon you.
By letting go, this allows us to move to the next level in our lives,
the next natural process. Often times, this is a fear in itself. The
fear of "what will happen when I DO move to my next stage in life?"
Feeling protected always comes by letting go of the fear.
by the Mayo Clinic
Kegel (KAY-gul or KEY-gul) exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, supporting such organs as the uterus, bladder and bowel. Doing Kegel exercises regularly can keep your pelvic floor muscles tight and toned and may reduce the risk of urinary incontinence as well as similar problems often associated with aging.
Who can benefit from doing Kegel exercises? Because many conditions can put stress on your pelvic floor muscles, you may want to consider doing them when you are:
- as you age
- have a chronic cough
- during childbirth
- if you are overweight
- are pregnant
- have a genetic predisposition to weak connective tissue
When your pelvic floor muscles are weak, Kegel exercises are recommended especially during pregnancy. Well-toned pelvic floor muscles may make you more comfortable as your due date approaches. You may be less likely to develop urine leakage, which often happens near the end of pregnancy and prone to persist after you've given birth.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse - this condition occurs when the pelvic organs push downward descend into the vagina, a condition known as Pelvic Organ Prolapse . The effects of pelvic organ prolapse range from uncomfortable pelvic pressure to leakage of urine or feces. Fortunately, Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic muscles and delay or maybe even prevent Pelvic Organ Prolapse .
Persistent problems reaching orgasm - Kegel exercises along with counseling and sometimes therapy may be helpful to women who have a problem reaching climax.
Urinary Incontinence - can occur in both men and women and therefore, Kegel exercises are very important to do throughout the day.
How to do Kegel exercises
It takes diligence to identify your pelvic floor muscles and learn how to contract and relax them. Here are some pointers:
Find the right muscles.
To make sure you know how to contract your pelvic floor muscles, try to stop the flow of urine while you're in the restroom. If you succeed, you've got the basic move. Feel your pelvic floor move down to the starting position. As your muscles become stronger and you become more experienced with the exercises, this movement will be more pronounced. Once you've found your pelvic floor muscles, empty your bladder and sit or lie down.
Exercise
1. Contract your pelvic floor muscles.
2. Hold the contraction for three seconds then relax for three seconds.
3. Repeat 10 times.
4. To get the maximum benefit, focus on tightening only your pelvic floor muscles or isolating your pelvic floor muscles.
Try it now for four seconds at a time, alternating muscle contractions with a four-second rest period.
Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.
Try sets of mini-Kegels. Counting quickly to 1 to 20, contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles each time you say a number.
Do not hold your breath. Use the power of the breath, Do not flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs or buttocks. Just relax, breathe freely and focus on tightening the muscles around your vagina and rectum.
Repeat three times a day.
Perform a set of 10 Kegel exercises three times a day. The exercises will get easier the more often you do them. You might make a practice of fitting in a set every time you do a routine task, such as checking e-mail or commuting to work.
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 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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