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Letter From Editor
In today’s age of information overload it can be difficult to know what information is true and what is not. Especially in the area of health – both natural and conventional – how do you decide what is best for YOU.
Conventional medicine seems to take the “one-for-all” approach. For every ailment or symptom, there is generally one, two or possibly a few drugs that everyone takes. In the natural health field there are various methods and remedies to help the body heal itself.
There is more than one herb, food, body work system to support the body for any particular ailment or condition. That is because the individual is taken into account when offering suggestions. What works for one person may not work or get the same results for another.
The suggestions we offer in this newsletter are by no means “the end all to be all” for any particular person. We give a small range of possibilities for your consideration. For anyone who has visited our shoppe, you know that we treat each person on an individual basis by using muscle testing to get the best plan for you.
Should you have any questions about any of the information provided, you can contact us by email or phone (513) 521-5051. Our knowledgeable staff will be glad to help you!
ENJOY!!!
Roberta T. McClinon
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BODYWORK
Reiki (pronounced “ra-kee”) – Reiki is a form of energy work that helps with stress reduction and promotes healing – physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. A practitioner uses his/her hands lightly on different parts of the body and/or “charkas” or energy centers to bring about the intended result(s) stated by the client or the practitioner.
The effects bring about a sense of well-being and relaxation as well as reduction of pain and balance in the body. A session can be performed by a qualified practitioner. Depending on what you are looking to achieve, several sessions may be necessary.
TIP
To help bring calm and relaxation, you can place your hands slightly above or on your solar plexus for a couple of minutes.
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NUTRITION
Organic Fruits and Vegetables – There is – and always be- controversy about eating organic versus conventional fruits and vegetables. In today’s toxic environments, our soil has been greatly depleted of many of the nutrients and minerals that were once abundant. So it is possible that NONE of our soil can produce purely organic foods. However, organic produce and fruits sure contain more nutrients than other. There is also the subject of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals that are sprayed on the foods.
Price difference is usually the reason most people use for not buying organic. Yes, organic costs more – but aren’t you worth it. What you will find when you choose more organic is that you will eat less because your body is being fed well.
To talk about the pros and cons could take up quite a bit of time. To bottom line this, it just do a taste and sight test for yourself. Take a conventional apple and an organic apple of approximately the same size.
TASTE TEST
Eat the conventional apple and see if you feel full or satisfied. A few hours later, eat the organic apple and see if you feel any difference.
Generally, you will feel fuller from the organic vs. the conventional one because your body is receiving more of the nourishment it is seeking from the organic. This is not to say that there are NO nutrients in the conventional apple, but there are MORE in the organic.
SIGHT TEST
Take a few bites out of the conventional apple and then take a few bites out of the organic, let them both sit for a few hours and notice the difference. Both will have some browning (or oxidation) which is normal. But notice to see if one is more dried out then the other.
What I have noticed is that the conventional apply had not only browned but had shriveled up and completely dried out, while the organic had some browning but did not shrivel up and dry up.
TIP
Don’t try to switch everything at once. Cboose one or two fruits and/or vegetables organically and begin to integrate and gradually change over to all organic.
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EXERCISE
T’ai Chi also known as T'ai Chi Ch'uan or Taijiquan is a type of Chinese martial arts, but unlike other forms of martial arts is a softer, slower, more relaxed method. Where other forms of martial arts are harder and more tense in the muscles.
In parks across China, groups of people can be seen doing these slow motion routines. There are various forms of T’ai Chi, but the premise is to help bring balance, relaxation, strength to the body and soul. It has been proven to improve cardiovascuclar strength, burn calories (which is beneficial in weight loss), improve breathing, flexibility and reduce, stress, anxiety and pain.
T’ai Chi may be beneficial to those with arthritis, high blood pressure,heart problems, limited physical mobility, the elderly, as well as those who are in good physical condition.
TIP
Check in your local area for a T’ai Chi instructor or you can also purchase DVD’s and videotapes on the subject.
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HEALTH SUGGESTION
Menopause (or as our favorite Master Herbalist, Greg Taylor, says WOMENOPAUSE!! – Also known as “THE CHANGE OF LIFE” is generally considered the time when a women ceasing to have a menstrual cycle. This time can range from the mid-30’s to the mid-50’s. There are 3 stages of menopause: Pre-menopause (or perimenopause, Menopause, and Post-menopause. The age that each occurs varies with each woman. Sometimes women are thrown into menopause after a hysterectomy.
Hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, weight gain, vaginal dryness, lack and/or increase of sex drive are some of the common symptoms of menopause. Estrogen and progesterone imbalances contribute to some of these.
Your ovaries produce estrogen. The body's main source of estrogen is lost when your ovaries are surgically removed. Not only are your ovaries involved in this process but your entire glandular system including the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands can be out of balance. So it is important to keep your entire body in balance.
Embrace this “CHANGE” in your life, just as you went from puberty to adolescence. Even though you experienced awkward moments, there were also many new experiences that you looked forward to. Menopause can be a new time in life where you are able to do things you had not done before – take up a new hobby, take those dancing lessons you always wanted to take, go back to school, study a new language – whatever it is that keeps your mind and body active!!
TIP
Herbs
Black Cohosh –Estrogen deficiency, hot flashes, hormone balancer
Damiana – Hot flashes, sexual stimulant, hormone balancer
Dong Quai – Aids in circulation, muscle spasms, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, calms nerves
Evening Primrose Oil – Hot flashes, mood swings
Essential Oils
Clary sage – muscle relaxant
Nutmeg – hormone balancer
Geranium – hormone balancer
Fennel -- hormone balancer
DIET
Begin to replace white flour products (bread, pasta, pretzels) with fiber-rich whole grains and whole grain products that can deplete bones. Eliminate mineral-depleting coffee, tea, and soft drinks. Yogurt and fresh fruit can help keep bones strong and prevent vaginal infections.
Green leafy vegetables are exceptional sources of calcium.
Eat more vegetables, fruits, and grains instead of meat. When eating eggs, meats and butter, choose organic to eliminate the addition of estrogens and chemicals that are adding to conventional foods.
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BEAUTY HINT
Throughout the day our exposed skin accumulates dirt and toxins from the air as well as from dead skin cells. Just washing with soap and water may not get the deep down dirt out. Periodically exfoliating the skin is a good idea.
TIP
Use the following recipe taken from “Secrets of the Spas” by Catherine Bardey:
Cleansing Oatmeal & Honey Paste
½ cup oatmeal
2 tablespoons honey
¼ cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
Finely ground oatmeal in a blender or food processor. In a small bowl, combine honey, yogurt and add ground oatmeal. Mix thoroughly until it has a paste-like consistency. Smooth over face and neck and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Can be applied everyday, preferably in the morning.
When doing facial treatments, don’t forget the neck – it needs as much pampering as the face
NOTE:
Ground oatmeal is a gentle exfoliator that removes dead surface cells and residue. It can be used as a mild cleanser instead of soap, and helps restore the skin’s moisture. The combination of yogurt, which wills often the skin, and honey, a natural humectant, makes for an effective, everyday cleansing moisturizer. | 
