As a holistic nurse I have always had one burning question when it comes to health and healing….how come some people “follow all the rules” and still get critically ill.  Of course there are some things in life that are just “destiny”, a “twisted fate” that provides an opportunity for spiritual growth. Yet, as a medical professional I have always tried to search for the best information to help others heal and achieve their goals for vibrant health and longevity,

I believe every individual has much more control over reversing chronic illness than at any other time in history.  Yet, it is important to make sure that your information comes from sources that are not tainted by profit seeking corporations or special interest groups supported by pharmaceutical companies or government agencies.

If you suffer from any of the conditions listed below, have you or your doctor considered you may have toxic metals in your body.  Have you considered it may be time for a heavy metal detox ?

TOXIC METALS : The reason you fell sick

Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Dr. Galen Knight have observed that even when people follow healthy dietary guidelines, they can still have serious health problems. They may digest their food poorly, experience digestive distress, or be generally sickly.

One reason may be toxic metals like:

•Mercury
•Aluminum
•Cadmium
•Arsenic
•Lead
•Nickel, and other metal poisons that flood the environment and invade your body.
These toxic metals can cause or contribute to a long list of diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain and neurological disorders. While the medical establishment recognizes the acute toxicity that comes from high levels of metals in your body, far more people suffer the adverse effects of low-level, chronic exposure. Read the rest of this entry »

As summer winds down and we begin to transition into a new season, it is a
perfect time for cleansing our body,mind, and spirit.  In Ayurveda this
is done with Panchakarma.

It is commonly perceived as only an internal cleansing routine, but Panchkarma
is also a time used to meditate, journal, and get grounded and centered from within,
preparing for the more inward cycle of nature….Fall and Winter.

In Ayurveda, “Detoxification” is not just a physical regimen but also a
break from the often hectic pace of our external worlds, to focus on our
inner landscape, cleansing the mind and spirit, creating a feeling
of lightness, and a clear and calm mind.

Essential oils hold great benefits when used in conjunction with meditation or
guided relaxation.  One that I recommend to clients regularly
is “Magnify Your Purpose”  from Young Living.

It assists with algining your inner and outer purpose.  So many times we find
we have a strong inner passion, yet it can be a challenge to bring that into alignment
and live it with integrity, as an outer passion in our families, work, and communities.

We best serve our selves when we can align our inner
and outer purpose by “shining the light” that we are. 

Maginify your purpose is a specially crafted blend of essential oils that stimulates
creativity, desire, focus, and motivation.

Whether your challenges are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual this oil
helps foster a positive attitude, encouraging you to rise above adversity,
seize the initiative,overcome procrastination, and magnify your life’s purpose.

Live the life you were meant to live. Maginify Your Purpose and move forward
to it.  Find your passion, find your health.  You came here with a purpose, to live
a happy, healthy, and vibrant life.

It is important to recognize that we are always in the midst of a transition.

Often when we examine our health it’s easy to focus on what’s wrong at that moment….instead of how we’d like it to be.  Sometimes, if you’re living with symptoms of pain or illness, it’s so
easy to become focused on uncomfortable symptoms and you may miss small signs that healing is taking place.

Sometimes the most challenging part of healing is shifting your perceptions and beliefs.

For example, I noticed this when I was challenged by a skin disorder.  Instead of blessing my body for doing it’s job,(removing toxins through my body’s largest organ),  I focused on the fact that my body looked,”ugly” with breakouts on my face and back.

Yet, I had been “asking” for a deep healing….a healing from the inside out. As you become aware and more conscious of the wisdom of your body’s natural healing mechanisms and apply them in the context holistic modalities, you will be less likely to feel that you need to cover up or annihilate a symptom. 

Instead, you can be grateful for the divine wisdom and healing, releasing judgement as to we how you think it should “look”. 

At the time, I was drinking a shot of wheat grass  almost every day….and the chlorophyll was purifying and detoxifying my blood, sending toxins to the surface of my skin to be removed.

At this point it was beneficial to reassess my healing plan to determine what the next step should be. That is the beauty of a holistic approach to healing….it is fluid and flexible….not the “one size fits all” approach that many doctors use.

What were those skin breakouts trying to communicate?   In a holistic model it is less likely that I needed a trip to a dermatologist for an acne or cortisone cream.

It is more likely I could benefit from the added boost of dry brushing, or taking a bath with dosha appropriate essential oils….opening up pores and penetrating deep into the tissues, to assist with further removal of the toxins.

Or, maybe I needed to drink more water.

The point here is this……no matter where you are starting from, you must look for the good….you must shift your perception and awareness.

Divine healing, often the “miracle”, spontaneous healings that we hear about…….I believe happen THROUGH you, not to you.  They can only happen when you are willing to choose it…..willing to acknowledge the good, the divine innate wisdom of your body, and give thanks with gratitude for the healing that occurs even when it’s is not as you imagine it.

Sometimes you can miss the healing if you’re focused with your mind as to how you “think” it should be.   Focus on the end result, not the how.

Become a channel for healing.  Take the steps you need to take, move towards postivie actions each day……see and feel the end result you desire.  As one of my early spiritual mentors Robert Schuller used to say…….Count your “haves” not your “have nots”. I am grateful for those little break outs, they let me know what my next steps should be.

Signs and symptoms in your body can be a blessing that provide information about your imbalances, they are valuable to a holistic practitioner in creating a treatment plan specific for your needs.

Whenever my brother and his wife come for a visit I am reminded of the challenges that many people face when traveling.  One of them is trying to maintain good healthy nutrition while traveling.

It can be even tougher if you are an athlete, like my brother is.  He runs about 60 miles a week.  For years I have seen him stock up on Power Bars to meet his nutritional needs while on the run.

Being an advocate of whole, living and nutrient rich foods I finally approached this subject with him a few weeks ago.  While power bars can be “the lesser of all evils”, I have continued to wonder where is the life force in these foods.  They taste like chemicals to me, so artificial.  They are prepackaged, processed and full of preservatives.

Much of my health research has gone into the damaging long term effects that these factor can have in creating inflammation and aging in our bodies.  So I have had great incentive to create a simple, quick and easy recipe for an “On the Run” ,real food, power bar.

Not to worry, they taste great and there is a chocolate version.  They are loaded with foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to enhance  and sustain long term energy…….now that’s powerful.

I make up a batch, cut them in squares and throw them in the fridge or freezer.  They travel well and will fit in a purse or carry on bag. 

The Natural Health Maven “On the Run” Power Bar

1 cup dried figs

1/2 cup dates

1 cup chia seeds…(yes, Chia, like the Pet)  one of the most nutrient dense seeds on the planet!

1/2 cup hemp seeds

1/2 sesame seeds

water

optional: you can add some raw cacoa powder, and/or cayenne pepper for a little heat and spice….or put a few drops lemon, orange,or peppermint essential oil for all natural flavor variety.

Soak figs and dates in water until softened., about 1 hour.  Drain the fruits and process in a food  processor.  Slowly add the seeds an pulse to incorporate the mixture.  You can play with the amounts …if it’s too sticky add more seeds.

Press the mixture into a pan lined with plastic wrapand chill until firm, at least 1hour.  I sometimes toss them in the freezer if I’m in a hurry……Okay, most of the time.

Cut into squares and store in the fridge or freezer.  these don’t last long in my house so they are usually fine in the fridge.

So simple and so good……superior nutrition for any one on the run.