A lot has happened since I last posted my blog:

Last September my husband’s brother’s family had a crisis. Their 25 year old daughter overdosed on methadone. She was rushed by helicopter to the University of Michigan Hospital. I volunteered to watch her younger siblings and her 2 year old son so her parents would be able to be at the hospital to make the decisions needed for her care.

She had suffered a heart attack, had kidney and liver failure and was hooked up to machines to keep her alive. She was placed in a medically induced coma to allow her body to heal. She was hospitalized for eight weeks.

I watched my 8 year old niece and 10 & 12 year old nephews along with her 2 year old son for the better part of two months. I had someone say to me “I don’t know how you can do it”. My response was “I don’t know how I could NOT do it, that is just who I am”. It allowed my to provide stability for my niece and nephews and to develop a closer relationship with them. I was able to help my family and allow them to be advocates for their daughter without worrying about their younger children.

I have learned so much from this experience:

• It is in my DNA to help others, I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to.
• People who are hospitalized need an advocate to make informed decisions for them.
• The human body wants to heal no matter what how much it has been damaged.
• If you live your life in service of others you will benefit along with them.
• Consider your own well-being while helping others so you don’t deplete yourself.
• This experience took a lot out of me, but it doesn’t compare to what I have gained.

When she was released she had recovered completely. All of her organs came back and she had not suffered any brain damage. It was a miracle. In the end she chose not to go to rehab and that she didn’t have a problem. The result is not what we had hoped, and although I am disappointed, I still would not change a thing that I did.

As a result of supporting my family, I needed to put my own life on hold and spent the winter months recovering. I am now out of hibernation and ready to get back to business.

My approach to blogging and emailing has changed, I will not post at specific intervals, manufacturing information to fit a specific time frame. I will post what I believe will be helpful to you, Sugar Cleanses, Products, Healthy Cooking and Blog Posts.

I continue to live my life in service of others and that includes you. I look forward to helping you Heal & Be Healthy, it is my passion and no distraction with keep me from it.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

P.S. Schedule your Feel Good Freebie with me to get a starting point and actionable steps to begin your journey to Be Healthy HERE!

P.P.S. If you know someone who would benefit from this information, please feel free to share it with them. They can sign up for my mailing list HERE.

Be Healthy,

What Is Quinoa?

Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah,” has been traced back to the ancient Aztecs who considered it a sacred energy source. They called it “The mother of all grains.”

It really isn’t a grain, quinoa is actually a seed of a leafy green plant related to spinach and swiss chard. But it does have some amazing qualities. Unlike grains, Quinoa is a complete source of protein. It is also full of iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin E.

This gluten-free, protein-packed, power-house is a great source of dietary fiber and can be digested easily. It rates low on the glycemic index compared to whole grains and contains 50 calories less per serving than brown rice.

There are many health benefits to adding quinoa to your diet including the fact that it:

• Increases Energy
• Aids Digestion
• Is Gluten-Free
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Alternative Protein Source
• Internal Cleanser
• Relieves Migranes
• Lowers Blood Sugar
• Plant-Derived Calcium
• Aids Weight Loss
• Promotes Cardiovascular Health
• Provides Antioxidant Support
• Relaxes Blood Vessels
• Reduces Risk Of Gallstones
• Detoxifies The Body

Quinoa expands three times its size when cooked. It’s unique texture is fluffy and creamy, but the tail of the grain adds a crunch. It can be an easy alternative to couscous, pasta, rice. It has a sightly nutty flavor which can be enhanced by toasting it in a dry skillet.

Quinoa can be sprouted (like alfalfa sprouts) and added to salads and sandwiches or ground into flour to create breads and muffins. It can be served as breakfast; a side dish; added to casseroles, chili, soups, stews and stir-fries; or used in place of rice.

How Do I Cook Quinoa:

I originally heard about quinoa several years ago. I even bought some thinking that I would try it. I never did because I didn’t know what to do with it. That package sat in my cupboard for over a year before I finally got up enough courage to try it. Now it is one of my favorite ingredients and my body always seems to be thanking me for eating it. I hope these recipes inspire you to try it too.

It is no surprise that vegetarians, vegans and people with gluten-sensitives all are huge fans of this amazing little seed. Maybe with a little more exposure it will gain raving fans among the masses.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about healthy ingredients, healthy recipes or other ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

I have other great recipes in my cookbook HERE that use healthy ingredients like quinoa. The cookbook includes a recipe for Mexican Quinoa Salad that is a fan favorite.

P.S. Schedule your FREE 15 Minute Strategy Session with me to get a starting point and actionable steps to begin your journey to Be Healthy HERE!

Be Healthy,

I have learned so much in my search to heal from my injuries and in my mission to create a healthy lifestyle. When you are in pain you are willing to try just about anything to make it stop.

So, I researched and tried many things, one of which is Meditation.

Meditation is one of many tools I have discovered on my Healing Journey. Click HERE to subscribe to my blog to receive more articles in this series and others about how to heal and Be Healthy.

If you would have asked me a few years ago about meditation, I would have said only New Age hippies, weird spiritual people and people in cults meditate. I had no use for it in my life, or so I thought.

My first introduction to mediation was in a yoga class that ended with a short meditation in Savasana (lying on your back). I decided to take yoga to increase my flexibility and heal from my accident. What I found is that I benefited most from the relaxation and spiritual aspect of yoga. Who knew?

Meditation dates back to ancient times and although it can be found in many religions, it is not religious. It is a state of mind or a technique in which you release thought and focus inward and quiet your mind. It is an act of letting go of the past, not thinking about the future, being present without thought.

There is no right or wrong way to meditate. There is no right or wrong time to meditate. And there is no right or wrong place to meditate. There are many benefits to mediation, the most common are relaxation and to stress reduction.

What are some of the benefits of Meditation?

• Improves Relaxation
• Reduces Anxiety
• Reduces Stress
• Decreases Tension
• Reduces Pain
• Enhances Immune System
• Increases Energy
• Improves Breathing
• Reduces Headaches & Migraines
• Harmonizes Endocrine System
• Relaxes Nervous System
• Improves Brain Activity
• Builds Self-Confidence
• Increases Serotonin Levels
• Resolves Phobias
• Improves Concentration
• Increases Creativity
• Improves Memory
• Improves Relationships
• Develops Intuition
• Increases Productivity
• Improves Sleep

I usually meditate lying down because it is more comfortable for me, but you can meditate in any position you choose. I use guided meditation recordings to help me focus on a specific thing I am trying to achieve, sleep, clarity, intuition, balance, creativity, etc. There are many free guided mediations on iTunes. My favorite is the Meditation Oasis. I also use TMeditation Station, The Meditation Podcast, Zenworlds ZenCast and Relaxation Meditation Podcast. Download a few and try them out. You will soon find your favorites.

I meditate every night for 20 minutes right before I go to bed using a guided meditation for sleep. I find that I fall asleep instantly, sleep well throughout the night and wake up well rested. I also meditate during the day for 20 minutes using a guided meditation that applies to something I am trying to achieve that day like clarity or creativity.

Meditation is extremely safe and drug-free. The only side effects are feeling calm and relaxed. I highly recommend it if you are having trouble controlling pain with “traditional” medical treatments.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for information about Meditation or other ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

Your Journey Toward a Healthy Lifestyle Begins in Your Home and in Your Body.

You are focused on being healthy, but are you aware of the hidden dangers that lurk in your home?

PROBLEM:

Aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium are the active ingredients used in antiperspirants. They stop your body from sweating by plugging your sweat glands and pores. If you don’t sweat, you don’t smell. Aluminum has been linked to breast cancer, kidney failure, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. There have been many studies on this with conflicting results and more studies are needed.

SOLUTION:

Use a natural deodorant that does not contain aluminum or parabens. Some common alternatives contain mineral salt (ammonium alum) which eliminates odor by preventing bacterial growth. Ammonium alum doesn’t clog your pores and allows your body to perspire naturally. Essential oils like tea tree, sandalwood, lavender, lemon and Neem can also be used since they are antimicrobial and do not cause sensitivity.

Use a detoxifying supplement to help your body cleanse itself of aluminum.

Avoid products that contain aluminum:

Products and additives to avoid:

• antacids
• antiperspirants
• whitening toothpaste
• Tylenol Extra Strength
• baking powder
• buffered aspirin
• food coloring
• processed cheeses
• dry cake mix
• pastries
• croissants made from frozen dough
• donuts
• waffles
• muffins
• E173, E520, E521, E523 E541, E545, E554, E555 E556, E559
• aluminum trisilicate
• sodium aluminum phosphate
• aluminum sodium sulfate
• aluminum sodium phosphate
• aluminium salts
• bauxite
• anything dyed red (FD&C red #40 aluminum lake, Allura Red, FD&C Red)

This is part of a series of articles on How to Create a Healthy Home based on the New York Times best selling book “The Healthy Home”. For more information about “The Healthy Home” click HERE.

Subscribe to my blog to receive more articles in this series and others about how to heal and Be Healthy.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about creating a healthy home or other ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

I once was told that I was a baby chick in an egg, pecking away at the shell from the inside about to hatch. Recently some one said that I was a beautiful flower bud about to burst open into full bloom. I have an image of myself as going from a caterpillar to a chrysalis. Soon I will emerge from my cocoon as a beautiful butterfly.

I am on a journey of transformation and I invite you to come along with me. You can take baby steps or giant leaps. You can change one small thing or many big things. All you need to do is pick a place to start from the list below and once you put it into practice you have begun your transformation. Take as many or as few steps as needed.

1. Put Yourself First:
Most of us aren’t even on our to-do list, let alone first. This may seem difficult or selfish, but when you show up for yourself first, you show up better for others. Think of yourself as a pitcher of water. You fill the glasses of those you love. If you do not take care of yourself first, your pitcher gets low or empty and you will not have anything to give. If you take care of yourself first, your pitcher will be overflowing. You can then give from a place of abundance instead of sacrifice.

2. Live Every Day Like It Is Your Last:
There is no telling when your time on this planet will end. It is extremely important to live the best life you can. Do not leave anything undone or unsaid. Make sure those you love know it. If there are things that you have always wanted to do, start doing them. Make a bucket list and get started on it today!

3. Allow The Universe To Guide You:
It is easy to plan your life out and try to control your path and the outcome. If you surrender yourself to the Universe you will find that things will come to you in expected and unexpected ways with little effort on your part. The Universe has a plan for you, it my not be exactly like your plan. It may not be the same path as you thought you would take, but the results will most likely be better than you expected.

4. Start Living As If:
Picture your life how you want it to be in the future with as much detail as possible. Visualize it as if you are there. Feel the emotions. Feel the sunshine. Smell the air. Taste the food. Go back to this visualization often and add details. Feel it as if you are already there. Write down a few things you can begin doing now and start doing them.

In my future life I have financial freedom and time freedom. My business is portable and I travel with my husband and enjoy every moment of our lives together. An example of me “living as if” is taking a weekend and going away with my husband. We are having a great time and decide to stay for a couple more days. I take care of work from the road and just maybe some doesn’t get done at all. Maybe no one will notice. If you did notice I did not post my blog two weeks ago, please know that I was busy “living as if”.

5. Choose Positive Results:
The only person you can change is you. You can choose to react in a negative way to things in your life or a positive way. If you choose positive reactions you will attract positive results toward you. If there is something in your life that is not bringing you joy, release it or find a positive way to react to it.

I could have chosen to be a victim of my car accident and wallow in my pain and misfortune. I chose to heal, grow and transform my life. I use that experience to help others heal and Be Healthy. This is my passion.

6. Fill Your Life With Joy:
What most of us are missing in our lives is joy. You set the mood in your home. If you are filled with joy, your home and family will be filled with joy. One of my favorite sayings is “If momma ain’t happy, no one’s happy.” Make a list of things that bring you joy. List things you love to do, things you used to love to do, things you have always wanted to try. Walk the dog, send yourself flowers, read a book, take a bubble bath, dance around your house in your underwear or take yourself to a movie. Find joy, drink it up and then find some more.

7. Slow Down, Be Mindful & Be Present:
Life is meant to be sipped and savored, not guzzled. I have spent the better part of my life rushing through it with no awareness of what is happening around me or to me. If you rush through your life you will have missed everything that was important in it. Practice being mindful and present to things that you are doing. This can apply to all areas of your life. Notice that I said practice, this one takes practice. Focus your attention and your senses on the task at hand. Stop multitasking and rushing through your life. I now know that the joy is in the journey not in reaching the destination.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

Their farmhouse sits on 40 acres of land and only one of the two other houses on their road is visible from theirs. The stars are always brighter there on a clear night. The darkness is always darker there on a moonless night. They do not have any light pollution, sound pollution, water pollution or air pollution. Everything is fresher there, everything tastes and smells better there.

Their nights are usually filled with the occasional hoot of an owl or howl of a coyote. Maybe even the rustling of a herd of deer passing by. The night we arrived was just filled with snow, lots of snow, plus the occasional rush and crash of the snow as it slid off the metal roof on their house and slammed to the ground. There were also a few flashes of lightening followed by the rumble of thunder. Thunder snow? That can’t be good.

The wall of snow that slid off the metal roof.

By morning it had snowed at least 24 inches. We awoke to a brisk chill in the room and slowly realized that the thick, wet, heavy blanket of snow had damaged many trees and snuffed out the power. We slowly became aware of the fact that we were stuck there until we dug ourselves free from the snow. Once that monumental task was complete we were at the mercy of the county snow plow to come and reconnect us to the main road. We assumed we weren’t a priority as I mentioned earlier that there were only three homes on the entire road, which is out in the middle of nowhere, in a small town.

Brian digging our car out of the snow.

We decided that this was probably the best place to be stranded. That is because my parents are used to living simply. We tease them sometimes that they live like Amish people. They heat their home with wood, use a wood cook stove, dry their clothes on a clothes line or by the fire and they do not have a TV. Yes, I said they do not have a TV. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, convenience and overstimulation, my parents live simply. They grow their own food in their organic garden and can or dry the excess that can’t be eaten right away. They cook from scratch not a box. They eat fresh local dairy and meat products. They have a mulch pile and a recycling bin.

Late that afternoon and into the evening my stepdad cooked the most amazing “emergency meal” on the wood cook stove, partially in the dark. He made pork steaks (from a friend’s pig) roasted with potatoes from their garden. It was topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions and served over noodles. There was also a rosemary, potato, chicken and cheese casserole for me because I don’t eat red meat. We all decided that it was one of the best meals we had ever eaten. We all helped with the “chores”, then we sat by the wood stove and kept warm. We talked, isolated by the snow storm, but together, enjoying each other’s company. There is something about being “unplugged” from the world of technology and that makes you more “plugged-in” to reality and your family.

View of my parent’s road after the snow storm.

That night as I lay bundled up in bed I thought about how dependent we have become on “things” to do the work for us. How we work at jobs we hate and we run around all stressed out. We do this to make money, to afford the “things” we need, that are supposed to make our lives better and more convenient. It becomes this vicious cycle of consumption and exhaustion. At that moment I decided that I would like be more dependent on myself and to find things to eliminate so I would need less money to live and in turn would work less. I realized that creating a healthy body can also be about simplifying your environment and your relationship with it, as well as the foods you put into it. With that thought there was a sense of peace and calm that ran through me as I drifted off to sleep that can only be achieved in the absence of technology.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

Your Journey Toward a Healthy Lifestyle Begins in Your Home and in Your Body.

You are focused on being healthy, but are you aware of the hidden dangers that lurk in your home?

PROBLEM:

Fragrances used in products are safe, right?

Our homes are filled with products that contain fragrances including skin care products, cleaning products, perfumes, hair care products, paper products, air fresheners, candles, plastics and laundry products. When you look at the labels of these products you will only see fragrance listed as an ingredient because the actual formulas are trade secrets.

When you think of fragrances you visualize fields of fresh flowers or a bush covered in blooms, but what you should really be picturing is oil wells and hazardous waste. That is because fragrances are created in labs from petroleum based chemicals that are used to synthetically recreate the scents that are found in nature. There can be hundreds of chemical ingredients used to create just one fragrance and ninety-five percent of those chemicals are derived from petroleum. Many of these chemicals are on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste List and are the same as those found in cigarette smoke.

Symptoms of Sensitivity to Fragrances:

When these products are applied to or make contact with the skin, the chemicals are absorbed into our bloodstream. When these chemicals are inhaled they go directly into the bloodstream and then to our organs and brain. Because there are so many products containing fragrances the amount of people who have sensitivities to fragrances continue to rise. Children and people with illnesses are the most vulnerable. If you have a reaction to a product odds are that you are reacting to the fragrances used in it. You may experience one or many of these symptoms:

• fatigue
• weakness
• hives
• allergies
• poor coordination
• slurred speech
• drowsiness
• dermatitis
• hay fever
• dizziness
• poor concentration
• eczema
• cough
• chest tightness
• headaches
• rashes
• swollen glands
• muscle aches and spasms
• heart palpitations
• watery eyes
• sore throat
• nausea
• stomach cramps
• vomiting
• asthma attacks
• kidney damage
• liver damage
• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• birth defects
• cancer

The cosmetics industry can use almost anything as an ingredient and market products without FDA approval. Some chemicals are allowed only at certain levels, but these levels accumulate if you are using many products containing chemicals. Unscented may mean that there are fragrances used to mask the scent or the scent has been chemically removed. It does not mean that there aren’t fragrances used in the the product and definitely does not mean they have less chemicals in them.

SOLUTION:

Clean has no smell!

• Use products that do not contain fragrances.
• Use products that are scented with essential oils.
• Make-your-own cleaning products. Click HERE to download directions.
• Make-your-own air fresheners. Click HERE for the article and directions.
• Use fragrance-free, paraben-free, preservative-free personal care products.
• Substitute essential oils for perfume.
• Use reusable dryer sheets. Click HERE to purchase.

Click HERE to download a list of Chemicals to Avoid.

This is part of a series of articles on How to Create a Healthy Home based on the New York Times best selling book “The Healthy Home”. For more information about “The Healthy Home” click HERE.

Subscribe to my blog to receive more articles in this series and others about how to heal and Be Healthy.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about creating a healthy home or other ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

What Are Chia Seeds?

When I first heard of Chia Seeds my mind went immediately to “Cha Cha Cha Chia…” the theme for Chia Pets. Do you remember Chia Pets? Those little clay animals that had Chia Seed “hair” that would grow. Well, the Chia Seeds that are the latest “superfood” are the same thing, with one exception, they are an edible grade grown for human consumption.

Chia Seeds (Salvia Hispanica) has been around since 1500 B.C. At one time they were considered more valuable than gold. The seeds were used in ancient Aztec cultures as food, medicine, ritual offerings and currency.

Why Would I Want to Eat Chia Seeds?

There are many benefits to eating these nutrient-rich, protein packed, fiber packed little seeds including the fact that they:

• Aid in Weight-loss
• Prolong Stamina
• Increase Energy
• Reduce Blood Pressure
• Reduce Cravings
• Increase Fullness
• Hydrate the Body
• Source of Omega-3
• Aid in Controlling Blood Sugar
• High Fiber Content
• Provide Energy
• Boost Strength
• Increase Regeneration of Muscle Tissue
• Increase Endurance
• Aid Intestinal Regularity
• Extend Food
• Replace Calories
• Balance Electrolytes
• Aid Digestion
• Enhance Nutritional Absorption
• Reduce Inflammation

“Chia” is the Mayan word for strength and these tiny unique seeds really do pack a big punch. They are a complete protein source, filled with calcium, potassium, fiber and vitamins. They are the highest known natural source of Omega-3. They can absorb up to 10 times their weight which makes them a excellent source of hydration. Many consider Chia Seeds to be a perfect food.

There are some similarities between Chia Seeds and Flax Seeds including their high soluble fiber content. There are also many advantages to eating Chia Seeds instead of Flax Seeds. Unlike Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds can be stored for years without turning rancid or losing nutritional value. This is due to their high level of naturally occurring antioxidants. Chia Seeds can also be used whole and are easily digested and absorbed by the body. They can be substituted for flax in any recipe.

Chia seeds are very versatile. Whole and ground seeds can be sprinkled on foods, they can be ground and mixed with flour, added whole to beverages or soaked in liquids to create a gel. They can be added to virtually anything savory or sweet without changing the flavor. The seeds will enhance the flavor of what they are added to rather than dilute it. They can be used as a fat replacer in many recipes. They are also gluten-free, making them ideal for those who have gluten sensitivity.

Raw foodists seem to have embraced the Chia Seed more quickly than everyone else, but they have properties that make them ideal for many diets. Because they slow down the conversion of carbohydrates into energy they can have greatly benefit diabetics and those who are trying to eat a low-glycemic or anti-inflammatory diet. Their ability to increase fullness, reduce cravings, displace calories and replace fat make Chia Seeds a great weight-loss aid.

Recipes Using Chia Seeds:

Until recently, Chia Seeds were only grown by a few small growers in Latin America. After centuries of obscurity, people are starting to realize their benefits and commercially produced products are starting to add Chia Seeds. The increased demand for this amazing little seed has caused commercial growing to resume. Organically grown varieties are plentiful because insects don’t like the chia plant.

If you have never tried Chia Seeds, they are definitely worth a try. You can find them in your local health food store. You could sprinkle them on some yogurt or make one of the recipes above. They are versatile and inexpensive, giving you a lot of bang for your buck.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about healthy ingredients, healthy recipes or other ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

I have learned so much in my search to heal from my injuries and in my mission to create a healthy lifestyle. When you are in pain you are willing to try just about anything to make it stop.

So, I researched and tried many things, one of which is Ashiatsu.

Ashiatsu is one of many tools I have discovered on my Healing Journey. Click HERE to subscribe to my blog to receive more articles in this series and others about how to heal and Be Healthy.

Ashiatsu massage is a modality that is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. In its early forms it was not considered a massage, but a healing art. Even now practitioners in China and Japan address their client’s health problems with dietary changes, herbs and other treatments along with Ashiatsu massage. In Japanese “ash” means foot and “atsu” means pressure. Ashiatsu may include the therapist’s use of their knees, elbows and hands as needed as well as their feet.

Ruthie Hardee is a massage therapist in the West that was born with scoliosis is credited with the development of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. Constant bending over, client’s demands for more pressure and repetitive deep tissue massage techniques began to bother her hands and lower back. She had seen Ashiatsu massages being performed as a child in Manila and Kathmandu, one day it clicked for her and she decided to develop what is now known as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. Her version uses Asian techniques combined with Swedish massage, but uses the massage for relaxation, not as a medical treatment.

In Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy the therapist balances on the client’s back using bars above them as support and to adjust weight and pressure. The therapist uses their feet to administer the massage with long smooth strokes and deep pressure that causes deep relaxation. The intensity of the massage can easily be varied by the therapist by varying the pressure. Because they work with gravity and use their entire body as a tool, the possibility for injury for the therapist is reduced.

This type of massage is very effective in the treatment of lower back and hip pain and for full deep body massage because of the leverage the therapist is able to achieve. Treatments usually feature stretching, massaging, acupressure and adjustments to alignment. Ashiatsu is very deep and therapeutic and is a favorite of many clients who prefer a deeper massage.

Ashiatsu is a healing modality that provided me with a considerable amount of relief from my injuries. I am forever grateful to Shelby Reynolds at Grand Traverse Natural Health Care for her amazingly restorative Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massages and for helping me heal and Be Healthy.

What are some of the benefits of Ashiatsu?

• Assist Recovery from Injury
• Relieve Pain & Tension
• Reduced Stress
• Greater Sense of Well Being
• Improve Posture
• Relaxed Muscles
• Increase Circulation
• Relieve Headaches
• Increase Flexibility
• Improved Immune System
• Emotional Balance
• Reduce Anxiety
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Increase Body Awareness
• Improve Sleep

Ashiatsu is extremely safe and drug-free. The only side effects are feeling calm and relaxed. I highly recommend it if you are having trouble controlling pain with “traditional” medical treatments. To find a therapist that is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork click HERE.

I am dedicated to supporting you in your journey towards a healthy lifestyle, please Contact Me for more information about Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy or other ways I can help you in your journey.

You can find previous We Be Healthy Blog articles HERE.

Please visit me on Facebook HERE and “like” my page if you haven’t already.

Don’t forget to leave your comments below.

Be Healthy,

Your Journey Toward a Healthy Lifestyle Begins in Your Home and in Your Body.

You are focused on being healthy, but are you aware of the hidden dangers that lurk in your home?

PROBLEM:

Fluoride is added to our public water systems, so it must be safe, right?

Fluoride has been a key ingredient in pesticides and insecticides. It is also a by-product of the aluminum industry and the phosphate fertilizer companies. Fluoride is added to the public water systems to protect teeth against decay.

Have you ever noticed the following warning on your toothpaste tube?

“Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact a poison control center right away.”

Because fluoride is in public drinking water, using fluoride toothpaste and other fluoridated products increase the possibility of overexposure. Research has shown that overexposure to fluoride can cause neurological disorders, infertility, hormonal imbalances, heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, alzheimer disease, depressed thyroid activity and iodine deficiency. Fluoride also appears to alter bone structure and may increase the risk of fractures.

SOLUTION:

Avoid products that contain fluoride. Here is a list of some of the main offenders:

• Toothpaste & Fluoride Rinses
• Fluoridated Drinking Water
• Processed Foods & Cereals
• Soda & Non-organic Juice or Tea
• Infant Formula & Foods
• Non-Organic Fruits & Vegetables
• Meat & Fish in Tin Cans
• Mechanically Deboned Chicken
• Non-stick & Aluminum Pans
• Fluorinated Pharmaceuticals
   Click HERE to see a list of fluorinated pharmaceuticals.
• Showering/Bathing in Fluoridated Water
• Non-Organic Wine & Grape Juice
• Chewing Tobacco & Cigarettes

For healthy teeth and gums, brush with fluoride-free toothpaste, essential oil blends or baking soda after meals. Floss your teeth daily. To freshen your breath, use a tongue scraper or rinse with peppermint oil and water. Take calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements daily to promote healthy teeth.

There is a strong chance that there is fluoride in your tap water. To remove the fluoride from your drinking water you should invest in a reverse osmosis water filtering system.