You are currently browsing the daily archive for May 5, 2009.
by Rebecca Word, ND
Well, I think it is safe to say spring is here! In holistic health, this is the time of year that we automatically begin thinking about cleansing. Cleansing is not just about bitter tasting potions and militaristic meal planning (although these do help), but looking at multiple ways of clearing out our personal temples. Coming out of the sedentary sofa surfing and comfort food craving months of winter it only makes sense to make it a yearly ritual to “spring clean.” I like a multi-pronged approach to detoxification. This includes clean diet, lots of water, alternating showers, deep breathing exercises, fiber supplementation, castor oil packs and individualized remedies. Let’s focus on a detox powerhouse: the Far Infrared Sauna.
So what are some of the benefits of IR Saunas?
- Adults have approximately 2 square meters of skin surface area through which to sweat out toxins. Infrared saunas penetrate more deeply at a lower temperature with greater sweating than do regular saunas.
- Saunas increase the movement of blood and lymph therefore increasing detoxification.
- Regular sauna usage can normalize our ability to sweat. We all know that person who claims to never sweat, or just glistens, even with strenuous exercise. He or she could benefit from IR saunas.
- Many toxins are stored in our fat cells. This is the body’s protective mechanism to keep these dangerous molecules away from vital organs. (Keep in mind the brain is predominantly composed of fats.) Infrared saunas help to mobilize these toxins from fat stores and sweating promotes elimination.
- Saunas increase metabolic rate. Some sources say an infrared sauna will burn 600 calories per 30 minute session. Now doesn’t that beat jogging!
- Saunas can improve weak heart function (increased stroke volume and ejection fraction without raising blood pressure).
- Saunas are extremely beneficial in cancer patients. They help to mobilize the body burden of toxins and also aid the body in ridding itself of chemotherapeutic agents that can have lasting effects in the body.
- Regular sauna usage can improve disturbed sleep patterns.
Sounds great, right? So who needs to be careful with saunas? People with metal implants, pacemakers, diabetes, lymphedema, decreased kidney function, seizure disorder, drug or alcohol addiction, and pregnant women should be cautious with sauna usage and definitely should be under the supervision of a doctor. Everyone who uses sauna should be sure to have a cool rinse afterwards, and to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. If you aren’t sure about any of the above make an appointment with your practitioner before setting out. Infrared sauna is a great way to relax, pamper yourself and detox at the same time. Bring a friend, and happy cleansing.
by Jean Brazeau & Jasmine Iwaszkiewicz
(Be sure to watch for our upcoming Transformational Healing column!)
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to Katherine Willow and Freya Struthers at Carp Ridge EcoWellness center for supporting the ‘Calling All Women’ workshop.
As the facilitators of this workshop we felt cradled, respected and honored by the deeply caring service that was provided for us. The astoundingly peaceful and beautiful surroundings created the perfect space for this deeply healing and permanently transformational weekend.
The workshop addressed issues that are very specific to women. Not only did it shed light onto the rules and deep-seated beliefs that women carry as truth – It also provided very real and lasting healing for all of the beautiful women who so courageously, lovingly and in honour of themselves, chose to openly heal the wounds that have been standing in the way of their own health, wellness, vitality and power.
Utilizing and incorporating our combined skills, modalities and personal life experience, we lovingly guided all the participants to directly access, release and transform their old wounds into healed wholeness in an environment of safety, compassion, understanding and acceptance. The feedback from the participants in attendance moved us to tears. This is what some of them had to say:
“I enjoyed the balance between healing and expanding, feeling the light and love and joy allows the healing to come with so much less resistance…I LOVED THE MUSIC! It was a very valuable weekend, I felt real healing during the weekend and I feel I have real tools to continue to bring love into everyday and more through the world in this space.”
“I felt washed clean and more open, more confident, more light in myself.”
“I loved it, this was really great value. You gave an incredible amount to the experience. Beautiful energy, sharing and giving!”
“I so enjoyed the openness, safety, music, every part of it. Thank you very much. I was able to disturb and you listened to me, I was able to let go of the hooks and be back home, open and feeling love.”
“I enjoyed every minute!! I enjoyed feeling trust for the first time in my entire life. I am so happy to have tools I can take home and knowledge that I know will allow me to live my authentic life. The best thing I could ever have asked for, worth all of the dollars and tears. You have changed my life, you have allowed me to break a very dark cycle and generations to come will be positively affected as a result. I knew I could trust you the moment I met you and you didn’t disappoint. I have so much love for you. You have inspired me to love myself.”
“There was lots of healing and awareness for me. The energetic space that was created started the healing right away and I appreciated the many many tools used. I loved hearing the birds and seeing trees when I looked out the window, it was beautiful. That you for an amazing healing workshop…I am so grateful that I came!”
“I loved the music and dancing (the playing)…I loved absolutely everything, THIS IS A MUST FOR EVERY WOMAN! What a beautiful, peaceful, simple and natural place for this workshop.”
Jean & Jasmine offer fully customized workshops based on varying topics geared towards people of all ages. To inquire about or schedule a workshop or book one-on-one sessions with Jean and Jasmine please call:
Jean @ 1.613.591.9888
Jasmine @ 1.705.549.5962
email:
jeanbrazeau@sympatico.ca
jasmine@transpowerment.com
Our healing & empowerment modalities include:
Well Systems, N.L.P, The Journey, Mind Body Healing, Past Life Regression, Prosperity Guidance, Meditation, Movement, Shamanism, Law of Attraction, Cell Memory Release, Energetic Imprint Removal, Dance, and Vision Questing all based on a fluid foundation of Energy Work alongside teachings surrounding The Root of Illness, The Vibrational Universe, Beliefs, Rules, E-Motion, Forgiveness, Grounding, Self Care & Application
Now that the cold is behind us, it’s time to get out & into the warm season. That means a trip to Carp Ridge where you can have some family fun on ‘Families in Nature’ days, learn to activate your psychic skills, do a sweat lodge (good for body and soul), go to summer camp, have your body cast (see the related blog article: Women wanted for future art show). Click Learning Centre to check out the schedule: Body Casting May 16, Psychic Development May 23, Families in Nature June 7, Sweat Lodge June 21, Summer Camp July & August – registration open now!
from www.foodnews.org
The 12 most-contaminated fruits & veggies:
Peach, Apple, Bell Pepper, Celery, Nectarine, Strawberries, Cherries, Kale, Lettuce, Grapes (Imported), Carrot, Pear
The 15 cleanest fruits & veggies:
Onion, Avocado, Sweet Corn, Pineapple, Mango, Asparagus, Sweet Peas, Kiwi, Cabbage, Eggplant, Papaya, Watermelon, Broccoli, Tomato, Sweet Potato
Why Should You Care About Pesticides?
The growing consensus among scientists is that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can cause lasting damage to human health, especially during fetal development and early childhood. Scientists now know enough about the long-term consequences of ingesting these powerful chemicals to advise that we minimize our consumption of pesticides.
What’s the Difference?
EWG research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day. Those who eat the 15 least contaminated conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables ingest fewer than 2 pesticides daily. The Guide helps consumers make informed choices to lower their dietary pesticide load.
Will Washing and Peeling Help?
Nearly all the studies used to create these lists assume that people rinse or peel fresh produce. Rinsing reduces but does not eliminate pesticides. Peeling helps, but valuable nutrients often go down the drain with the skin. The best approach: eat a varied diet, rinse all produce and buy organic when possible.
How Was This Guide Developed?
EWG analysts have developed the Guide based on data from nearly 87,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce conducted between 2000 and 2007 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You can find a detailed description of the criteria EWG used to develop these rankings and the complete list of fruits and vegetables tested at our dedicated website, www.foodnews.org.
from the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Recent studies investigating Canadians’ exposure to BPA suggest the levels detected are “well below” current Health Canada recommendations when it comes to an acceptable daily intake. However, the studies being conducted are concerning to naturopathic doctors (NDs). NDs warn the factors within the study are looked on in isolation and the studies themselves do not reflect a person’s weekly consumption of all products containing BPA.
“The research being done is looking at each risk factor in isolation. People may consume just one can of pop per week, but what the study is not telling us is what happens when a person consumes a number of cans of pop and energy drinks, uses plastic bottles and consumes canned vegetables within a short period of time. There is no research looking at the cumulative effects from all sources of exposure. Looking at one item on its own does not reflect real life…” Iva Lloyd, ND
What is BPA and where is it found?
BPA is a chemical used in the manufacturing of many everyday products including pop cans, water bottles, energy drink cans, baby bottles, canned foods (including those for acidic fruits and vegetables) and sealants in dental fillings. BPA is also found in rigid, transparent or coloured plastic products identified by a triangle with the number 7 in the center. (Please note: not all products containing BPA carry this identifying symbol).
What is the risk?
BPA is a molecule that mimics estrogen in the body. BPA leaches from containers into the contents and is consumed along with the contents. (Containers do not need to be heated for this to occur). BPA has been linked to cancer and reproductive problems. Animal studies have linked long-term exposure to infertility, early puberty and prostate and breast cancers.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk – from infants and children, to teens and adults – both in the short-term and long-term. Each age group has its own risk factors.
What can we do?
Substitute all BPA products, or any that you suspect may contain BPA, with non-toxic alternatives such as products contained in glass, stainless steel, or cardboard containers. Limit the amount foods and drinks contained in metal containers and pop cans. Choose water, and freshly made fruit and vegetable juices instead of canned options. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Choose stainless steel or glass containers to carry any liquids, and check with your dentist about the composition of chemicals in fillings and dental accessories, such as “night guards”.
Katherine Willow will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Yogafest on June 21st. For more info go to www.yogafest.ca . Some tickets will be available at the clinic.
by Julie Keon
I am in the very early stages of creating an art show of my body casts. My plan is to hang a show in Ottawa which will be both visually appealing and thought provoking. A little bit like the “Vagina Monologues” of casting. Right now, I am gathering ideas and looking for women who are willing to be casted. You will need to come to my studio, be casted and also provide a written testimonial about your feelings about your body and where you are now, where you have come from, how your body has served you and/or betrayed you, etc. Your cast will eventually be returned and you will have this original piece of art to hang on your wall. There is no cost to you.
Here are some themes that I am interested in:
~ women who are going through breast cancer (both before and after a mastectomy)
~ women who are experiencing any type of serious illness
~ women who have eating disorders
~women who are considered overweight by society’s standards and LOVE their bodies anyway!
~women who started out as men and have had surgery to become women
~women who are survivors of sexual abuse
~women in later stages of life
~women with disabilities
~women who are athletes
~women who serve in the Canadian forces
~women who have an interesting story to tell that is connected with their bodies
These are just some themes that I am looking for. I already have a girl entering puberty, a perimenopausal woman, a pregnant woman, a postpartum woman, a woman in her 40′s, and I may even have the cast of a 90-year old woman. I am not looking for perfect bodies according to the standards set forth by society. I want REAL women with REAL stories.
I ask that you send this request far and wide. Copy and paste it into an email and send out to your email lists. Anyone interested can email me privately at mothernurture@sympatico.ca with their story. All submissions will be considered but not necessarily used. This will be completely anonymous. Confidentiality is a must. Casting takes place in a respectful and safe environment. Thank you in advance for your help with this!
Book an appt. at the clinic for a Hadoscan
May 14, June 11, & July 16. Cost: $100 per diagnostic
For more info read the post below, then contact Valerie @ 613.726.2950, or book an appointment at Carp Ridge EcoWellness Centre (613.839.1198). You can also make enquiries by visiting www.ottawawellness.com
The clinic is checking out the benefits of the Hadoscan diagnostic tool. Developed primarily by an European researcher, the Hadoscan is based on the application of quantum theory as it relates to a person’s health. During a diagnostic session, and in conjunction with your visit to the naturopathic doctor, clients will have the opportunity to learn about the nature of existing imbalances and investigate which healing strategies will be the best to achieve better health.
This new technology falls into the category of energy medicine. Based on quantum mechanics, scientists know that every organ and cell in the human body has its own distinct energy or ‘vibration frequency’ and that this can be measured. Energy medicine, like Reiki and acupuncture, is based on the principle that illness is related to imbalances in your energy fields. It is believed that by rebalancing the fields, health can be restored.
The hadoscan first acts like a sonar device, recording the frequencies and levels of energy in different parts of the body. Those levels are then compared to a database of frequencies of an optimally healthy body and organs of men and women of various ages. The results are presented as computer generated visual display of what is happening in the body. By viewing a computer screen that shows representational images of various organs, tissues and structural components, clients can see the energetic vitality of each internal area and see where ‘energetic challenges’ exist.
The hadoscan recognizes that health problems are not necessarily caused by malfunctioning organs but are due to imbalances from various “stressors”. Stressors could be emotional or psychological, but they could also be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, unbalanced tissue, pollutants etc.
The hadoscan doesn’t “cure” health problems, and makes no explicit or implied medical claims; it does not diagnose or treat any disease or medical condition and does not replace the medical care of a licensed physician or other health care provider.
However, if disturbances can be found before illness progresses, and an organ is then energetically boosted, any illness or disease should be easier to suppress. Hadoscan’s totally non-invasive technology can provide a powerful foundation for an information-based system of Integrative Health care.
