| By HU Team in Health & Wellness | No Comments »
by Lisa Chilvers ~
The wisdom of nature never ceases to amaze me – for every question, there is an answer! Years ago I was working with a women who was blessed with five children; yes she wanted it that way, she had them all in a row. It astonished me how quickly her abdomen would comply and return to its pre-baby state. After her last child, she commented on how the nurses at the hospital noticed her uterus was contracting to its normal state, remarking that she like no other women they had seen. She laughed and said it was raspberry leaf tea – she drank it throughout every pregnancy and swore that it was the real reason her flat tummy came back so fast. Obviously my ears perked up. This is news to share with every woman planning to embark on the wonderful, yet scary journey of having a child.
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) has been used as a nourishing herb tonic to support women’s reproductive and urinary systems. Its high nutrient value also supports strong bones and teeth. Indeed the leaves of this yummy berry are valuable. Here are 4 Ways Raspberry Leaf Makes Giving Birth Better!
Nourishing Tonic: Who knew, but it’s a natural source of Vitamin C and E, calcium, magnesium, selenium, iron, phosphorus and potassium.
Pregnancy: Regularly drinking raspberry leaf before and during pregnancy may help tone and firm pelvic muscles. It is said to assist in contractions and ease pain during labour and after birth. Some moms to be drink the tea to help ease morning sickness and prevent miscarriage.
Mother and Baby: Not only will it help mom produce more milk, it may help baby by reducing the frequency of fever, coughs, colds and diarrhea.
Menopause: It’s a ways away from giving birth but just as paramount in a woman’s life. This calming tea supports menopausal symptoms by helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
photo by Alan Bruce
Lisa Chilvers is a holistic allergist and nutritionist whose mission is to empower, educate and motivate her clients to live their best. She is the co-founder of Holistic United, a community where holistic healthcare providers market their services and share their knowledge. Through her workshops and the Holistic United Blog, Lisa shares her passion for holistic health by helping people apply holistic wisdom in everyday life.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.
| By HU Team in Guides, Health & Wellness | 1 Comment »
by Monica D. Riley ~
There’s a wonderful notion that the best and most efficient pharmacy lies within our own body. North Americans are seeing the benefits of being more active and recognizing the natural benefits that exercise provides, but there is one muscle that seems to need more work – our mental muscle!
The British Medical Journal recently released a study stating that memory, reasoning and comprehension skills can start to decline by age 45. Previous research found cognitive decline starts after age 60 and highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle in protecting the brain from dementia. It seems that – just like with the rest of the body – we need to use our noggin, challenging our cognitive function daily. Age-proof your brain with daily exercise, a well balanced diet and these 5 Top Brain Boosters:
Get moving
Higher exercise levels can reduce dementia risk by 30 to 40 percent compared with low activity levels.
Seek out new skills
When you challenge the brain, you increase the number of brain cells and the number of connections between those cells. UCLA researchers, using MRI scans, found that engaging the mind can help older brains maintain healthy functioning.
Reduce stress
Chronic stress floods your brain with cortisol, which leads to impaired memory. A technique called mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) is a form of meditation that focuses attention on sensations, feelings and state of mind.
Spice up your menu
Herbs like ginseng and ginkgo biloba improve short-term memory, increase concentration and enhance alertness. Spices like black pepper, cinnamon, oregano and basil are high in antioxidants which are known to build brainpower.
Reduce your health risks
Chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity and hypertension are often associated with dementia. Controlling these risk factors can delay the onset of dementia.
photo by Michael Cohen
Monica D. Riley is a certified master herbalist and aromatherapist of 15 years. She currently writes a national column on Holistic Health and Wellness for the Examiner.com and shares wellness wisdom through the Vegas Holistic Health Emporium. As a graduate of Vassar College and The Medill School of Journalism, her 15-year career journey includes network reporter/journalist; executive programmer/producer with PBS and college professor. Monica incorporates a holistic lifestyle as her key to wellness. And, she is dedicated to helping others achieve their unique balance. “You can create your own wellness destiny. The secret is to maintain a mind-body-spirit synergy.” Visit Monica’s Holistic United profile for more information.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
| By HU Team in Health & Wellness | No Comments »
by Erin Telford ~
The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and we’ve had a few gloriously un-puffy coated days lately. Mother Nature gave us a break this year from the last few brutal east coast winters. I have to say though – if a warmer than average winter is wrong, I don’t want to be right. This feels GOOD.
Spring has an energy of sweet anticipation. The Qi of this season rises up and out like a beautiful strong tree. It’s all about growth and renewal and there can be a mild restlessness associated with its arrival. Winter encourages us to conserve energy, reduce our physical activity and increase our internal practices. Spring wants us to regenerate, reproduce and renew ourselves. It’s like we’re poised at the starting line waiting for the gun to go off. Ready, set, grow!
The organ system associated with spring is the Liver and Gallbladder. The Liver controls the proper flow of energy in the body. When it is blocked, we can experience irritation, frustration, and impatience. Fittingly, the emotion associated with this organ is anger. Anger in its simplest form says, “I don’t like this. Something needs to be different about this situation.” Anger expressed in a healthy way is a beautiful catalyst for change. We are seeing this in many forms in our world right now!
The transitional time between seasons is a perfect time for a seasonal tune-up treatment. Acupuncture can strengthen your body to help it navigate the extreme weather shifts. Check out these 10 Practical Tips to Increase and Capitalize on the Energy of Spring!
1. Move and spend more time outside
This is crucial. It’s far too easy to forget that we are animals when we spend so much time indoors attached to our laptops, TVs and cell phones. Our bodies were made to run, jump, swim, dance, climb, spin, fall, roll, shake, and shimmy. Let them do it. Outside air helps your Qi flow! Allow the staleness of winter to slough off to create a clean slate for spring!
2. Seek alternatives for your allergies
If you suffer from allergies, herbs and acupuncture can help tremendously to sooth congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes. Regular treatments can alleviate or even banish symptoms all together. Allergic reactions are seen by Chinese medicine as an inability to interact smoothly with your environment. “Going with the flow” is the m.o. of the liver. Consider areas in your life where you could let go a little more.
3. Plant a seed
This could be the seed of a beautiful heirloom tomato plant or the seed of a dream you’ve kept on the back burner for far too long. Whether your seeds are literal or metaphorical, chose something to nurture right now that will grow and give back to you when the time is ripe.
4. Incorporate sour flavors into your diet
Picture the face you make when you bite into a lemon – your lips pucker up as you feel the tang on your tongue. Your Liver loves this! Sour is its favorite flavour because it provides natural, gentle cleansing. Add lemon slices or a big spoonful of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of water for an easy, non-abrasive liver cleanse.
5. Detoxify & release pent up emotions
Detoxify your entire system. Begin by limiting your toxin exposure from processed foods, intoxicants, chemical household products, and body care products. This is the ideal time for a gentle dietary cleanse. You may want to go a little deeper and look within to see where and what emotions you may be internalizing. Grief and anger harm our physical bodies the longer they are kept inside. Consider addressing the root of those emotions and get them up and out! It’s time.
6. Eat green!
Young green plants like dandelion or mustard greens, sprouts and immature cereal grasses can stimulate the Liver and move your Qi. Other foods to begin to include in your diet now are radishes, watercress, ginger, mint, cilantro, basil, pear, apple, celery, carrot, leeks, onions, dates, mushrooms, and spinach.
7. Take care of your eyes
The eyes are the sense organ related to the Liver. We are staring at computer or smart phone screens FAR too much and our eyes are tired! Take care of your overworked eyes. Rest your eyes by covering them with the palms of your hands and allow your eyes to relax until you see only all black. When at your computer, look as far as you can away from your monitor every 15 minutes.
8. Stretch
The Liver rules the tendons, sinews and ligaments. Any injuries to these areas may be acting up right now. Our body wants to stretch and expand after being cooped up all winter. Notice where your body holds tension and gently ease it out.
9. Grow & Expand!
The energy of the Liver and of springtime is up and out! Picture all of those little saplings bursting through the soil to reach for the sun. Spring brings new life, rebirth, and restores vigor and energy for our hopes and dreams. Make a wish list. Take a look at your New Year’s resolutions and see how you are stacking up. Learn a new skill. Update your resume. Go for it!
10. See your acupuncturist for a seasonal tune-up
Transitional times are not the most comfortable. Poised between the familiar but outgrown (Winter) and the new but unknown (Spring) can cause frustration, allergies, stress, muscle injuries, irregular menstrual cycles, and general imbalance. Seasonal acupuncture treatments are appropriate to keep you in harmony even if you aren’t experiencing any particular health issues.
photo by burstingwithcolors
About the Author
Erin Telford is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a private practice in Manhattan. She believes in the powerful healing dynamic between patient and practitioner and the body’s innate ability to move towards balance. She uses Chinese Medicine to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. For more information, visit Erin’s site at http://www.radiantheartacupuncture.com/ or her Holistic United profile.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog
| By HU Team in Health & Wellness, Research | No Comments »
Whole-body vibration therapy may benefit strength and quality of life in individuals with neurological diseases, according to a new study. Vibration therapy, also known as vibration healing, is the use of mechanical vibration to supposedly prevent, treat and promote recovery from a variety of physical ailments, including pain, sports injuries and bone density loss. Whole-body vibration therapy is applied for more systemic complaints. A patient stands on a machine or sits in a chair that vibrates. Many physical therapists for professional athletes use vibration therapy to decrease the recovery time after an injury. However, evidence of benefit is currently unclear.
In a new study, researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search for studies evaluating the effects of whole-body vibration therapy on various factors, including strength, balance and quality of life, for patients with neurological diseases. Thirteen studies evaluating effects in Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and stroke were identified for inclusion.
The researchers found that there is some evidence suggesting potential short-term benefits of whole-body vibration therapy for strength. There was also weak evidence suggesting potential benefits for quality of life. In the long-term, the authors noted that there was limited evidence suggesting potential benefits for balance, strength and walking.
Further well-designed clinical trials are necessary before any conclusions can be made.
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that is chronic and progressive, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Parkinson’s disease affects nerve cells in a part of the brain that controls muscle movement.
The term cerebral palsy refers to a neurological disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood (most commonly under 37 weeks of age) and permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination but does not worsen over time.
There is currently good evidence of benefit that suggests music therapy may modestly improve symptoms including some aspects of motor coordination, speech intelligibility and vocal intensity, emotional functions, activities of daily living and quality of life for patients with cerebral palsy and Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about vibration therapy, please visit Natural Standard’s Health & Wellness Database.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
| By HU Team in Consciousness, Health & Wellness | No Comments »
by Cheryl Hiebert, M.Div ~
I was struggling with an article idea this week and realized that I have an excellent topic to discuss. I am a living example of it right now. I have an injury that is keeping me from running and I had my world rocked to the core at around the same time. I decided I would share some of my ideas with respect to loss, injury, disease and setbacks. But I have a few questions to pose first: When these incidents occur in our lives how do we handle them? With anger, with grace, with introspection? Do we search for the lessons and the deeper meaning? Do we shrink away and hide? Do we throw up our hands in despair? Or do we decide to use it as an experience to learn, to deepen our personal growth, and to perhaps look at our lives differently?
The idea for this article came to me while having lunch with a dear friend. She is a hero to me. She has had several very tough years since her partner was diagnosed with cancer. We have all witnessed what a strong loving woman she has been for her family. Through all of this she has become a powerful advocate for patient care within the hospital setting; trying to make big changes to create a gentler, healing environment for the people recuperating or undergoing treatment. And also being incredibly aware of how the families are experiencing this situation with their loved ones as well.
She gave me the example of entering the ICU and seeing huge signs with block letters that said: DO NOT ENTER. She felt this was an assault on the senses of the people coming in to see their loved ones. She called her assistant immediately and said: add this to the next meeting agenda as #1.
Gifts Are Hidden Within Challenges
To help make positive changes she has also spent her time seeking out ways to cope, to eat better and holistic/integrative approaches to help everyone stay well during this stressful time. She volunteers tirelessly, counsels, takes care of a big family, and sits on numerous committees and the list goes on. She did not hide away or shrink from the challenge. She met it head on with strength and determination. The world is richer for her being here… the experiences that could have devastated her made her that much more determined to learn and grow. She inspires me. I walked away from our time together pondering all of these things.
So we see in her case how her challenge has created the space for her to help others in ways that perhaps no one else could see or had the guts to do something about. But she had to BE in it to learn that and move in this direction. That is just one of the gifts from all of this. When we take this approach in our lives, we may begin to see the how’s and the why’s of it occurring for us.
We can look at challenges differently when we fall, get injured, get sick, etc. It is ALWAYS an opportunity to look beneath the surface. However, it might take some time to do so. We might need to lick our wounds for awhile and go through the appropriate stages of grief, but eventually we have to pull up our socks and move forward. We make the decision to live fully again. How many people do you know that have been sick or injured and a friend gave them a book that changed their life? Or maybe during their recovery they had an epiphany. The disease might have been the wake-up call they needed to change the way they were living their life. As a result, they made the decision to be healthy, to changes jobs, to retire, to leave a relationship. I have always felt that if we continue along without doing “our work” during these times of wake-up calls the universe “ups that ante” – in other words… be prepared for another wake-up call.
The Mind-Body Connection
Here is one way to look at the setbacks that occur. It is with a book I adore: You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. It is one I picked up in my 20’s and has been instrumental in my spiritual growth and wellness since then. Contained within her book is a list of physical problems that has a 3 part chart. It works like this: you look up the ailment, disease or physical symptom. The next column contains what the probable cause is and in the final column a new thought pattern one can incorporate into their life to help heal it. I opened the book for an example: Adrenals. The probable cause is listed as: Defeatism. No longer caring for the self. Anxiety. The new thought pattern is: I love and approve of myself. It is safe for me to care for myself.
When something shows up in my body or that of one of my clients, I always refer to this list and am continually amazed at how accurate it is. I use this list for my own self-care and awareness. When we are aware then we can make positive changes in our lives. If we move along without stopping to examine our lives when we have a setback we lose the opportunity for tremendous growth.
The Wisdom of Our Bodies
Remember from some of my past articles: when a physical symptom shows up in the body it is a red flag. Our body in its wisdom is waving for you; pay attention. Symptoms disease injury and setback always have an underlying emotion or thought pattern that has now shown up as a physical symptom in your body.
Why do we have setbacks in our lives? I feel that it occurs when something in our life is out of balance, when things are awry, when we need to slow down, make changes or pay attention. I see so many people avoiding taking care of themselves or avoiding issues or grief or pain and so they keep busy all the time. Avoiding setbacks by running around, watching TV, listening to the radio, on the computer, texting, reading, cooking, working out, never being alone. We fill the hole inside with busyness and the acquisition of more and more material goods. They are all excellent ways to avoid being still, because being still feels scary. When we stop and get quiet or are alone, feelings can come up. Whatever we have pushed away, or stuffed down or avoided shows up. And that is a good thing, by the way! Think of a pressure cooker. We need to take the lid off and allow the steam to escape. It takes a lot of energy to hold things in.
Releasing the Pressure
Although a meditation practice is an excellent tool to allow the lid to come off to release the pressure, you can simply allow yourself some quiet time to reflect. With the busyness we are often in the fight or flight response which is running on adrenalin. This stresses out the central nervous system which in turn creates anxiety, affects our immune system and can create a host of other problems. We are taught to chin, up, suck it up, that we cannot cry and to avoid our feelings. And that is exactly why I feel we have our setbacks… to get us out of that toxic loop and help us get back on track.
And so with my current setbacks I am spending some much needed time with friends, writing a shorter article this week and doing some things for my own self care. I am slowing down and letting go of a few responsibilities that were creating a schedule that was simply too much. I am doing more Yoga! I think of the image of a wrinkled shirt…Yoga irons out all of my wrinkles, releases pent up emotion, brings me into my body and I always feel richer for the experience.
Let Setbacks Be Your Guide to Growth
Take some time for yourself and look at your list of ailments, symptoms and setbacks. Are there changes you have been avoiding? Are you taking good care of yourself in the way you deserve? Do you keep promising yourself that you will do certain things? Take the time to honour and treasure yourself and your personal growth. Perhaps you can allow your setbacks be a guide to a greater awareness and to help create deeper meaning in your life.
My own current setbacks have created this article for you this week. My intent is that it inspires you to take a closer look at your own life. Look at the glorious opportunities that are there for you. Try changing the way you look at ailments and see the wisdom behind each one.
And know that I am here for you along the way to help you discover the wondrous you that IS there! I send each of you much love today.
Photo by janineomg
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cheryl Hiebert is a Personal Wellness Coach with a mind body spirit approach to wellness. Her goal is to help you feel empowered on your individual path and help you jump out of bed every day loving your life. To help you create a life where you feel happy, full of energy and first on your list. You are worth it!
To see how you can get more support from Cheryl, make sure to visit her website or her Holistic United profile.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
| By HU Team in Food, Health & Wellness | 1 Comment »
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.“ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
by Lisa Weeks and Lisa Chilvers~
For most people living in North America, today is synonymous with romantic love. In honour of St. Valentine and keeping the love strong all year long, here are 10 Foods to Boost Libido:
Avocado: Avocados have high levels of folic acid which helps metabolize proteins, providing you with more energy. They also contain vitamin B6, a nutrient that increases male hormone production.
Bananas: Bananas contain bromelain, an enzyme believed to increase libido and reverse impotence in men. Additionally, they are a good source of potassium, which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland, an element that supports sex drive.
Cayenne and chilies: Capsaicin, the substance that gives kick to peppers and other spicy foods, triggers the release of endorphins. This feel good chemical stimulates nerve endings and raises your heart rate.
Chocolate: This luscious treat contains phenyl ethylamine (PEA), which boosts levels of endorphins, reduces depression and anxiety. In fact, it is one of the brain hormones that is released when we are in love. Go for dark chocolate to get those extra antioxidants. PEA may be increased by exercise, yet another reason to put on those running shoes!
Eggs: They may not be the most sensual of foods, but eggs are high in vitamins B6 and B5. These help balance hormone levels and fight stress, two things that are crucial to a healthy libido.
Garlic and ginger: Eat these regularly to increase arousal. Just make sure you share that garlicky meal with your partner and stock up on extra mints! Garlic contains allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow to the sexual organs. As such, it’s a highly effective herb to help increase libido. You can also take garlic capsules.
Maca: Toted as an ancient superfood of the Incas, Maca is rich in calcium, potassium, iron, and EFAs. Its known as an adaptogen used to increase energy, improve mood, and increase libido.
Nuts: Eating nuts and seeds help to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to the sexual organs. Make sure to eat them unsalted and raw to get the most benefits. Choose almonds, walnuts, or Brazil nuts. The high dose of omega 3 fatty acids helps support the production of hormones.
Pumpkin seeds: The seeds are also know as pipitas. They are high in zinc, which is important in testosterone production for men and also helps to sustain sexual desire in women.
Sexy Chocolate Mousse Pie
What you’ll need for the crust:
1-cup raw almonds
3 dates
Honey or maple syrup
What you’ll need for the filling:
4 ripe avocados
16 soft, fresh dates, pitted
2 heaping Tbs cocoa powder
3-6 Tbs agave syrup (to taste)
Topping Ideas: fresh berries, pumpkin seeds, sliced banana
Grind almonds in a food processor, then add dates and mix until texture is uniform. Add a little honey or maple syrup until mixture sticks together. Press into an 8-inch round pie pan.
Cut avocado in half, remove pit and scoop flesh into a food processor. Add dates, cocoa powder and sweetener and blend until completely smooth. Taste and add more sweetener if desired.
Pour filling into prepared curst and refrigerate at least a couple of hours. Pie filling will be pudding-like in texture and consistency.
Serves 6 to 8
photo by Daniel Danny and Jennifer
About the Author
Lisa Weeks, HBSc., ND, is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing in Toronto and Markham who unites her extensive scientific research background with Naturopathic therapies and philosophies to offer you a holistic approach to healing. She believes Naturopathic Medicine can benefit the whole family, from infants to seniors and focuses on women’s health, kid’s health, immune system support, pain management, digestive health, skin issues, sleep support, stress relief, energy support and more. For more information, visit her website and her Holistic United Profile
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.
| By HU Team in Food, Health & Wellness | 1 Comment »
by Monica D. Riley ~
The rays of sunlight are limited during winter months, but that is not an excuse to let your vitamin D dip below a healthy level. “Vitamin D has emerged as a star supplement, because of its many nutritional benefits for men, women and children,” according to Dr. Rovenia Brock, renowned nutritionist and author.
Vitamin D plays a key role in the proper absorption of calcium for strong bones and teeth and has been shown to support colon, breast, prostate, ovarian, heart and colorectal health.
Vitamin D not only assists your body with many crucial functions, being deficient can actually put you at risk for other things – osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and other cancers, to name a few. And a whopping three-quarters of Americans are deficient in vitamin D, according to a 2011 article in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
With so many Americans ingesting below the optimal levels of Vitamin D, what is the best way to counteract this growing public health issue? Here are three easy ways to ensure you’re getting enough vitamin D this winter:
1. Take a supplement: Recognizing that vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are major public health concerns for both children and adults in the United States, vitamin D supplements can be relied on to provide much needed help getting those levels up where they should be. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms – vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. The D3 form is more active than the D2 form and a better choice when choosing a supplement.
2. Fortify Your Life: An effective way to make sure that your family gets enough “D” is to include fortified foods and beverages.
- Milk: Because D is a fat-soluble vitamin, you will find slightly more per cup in whole milk (124 IU) than 1% (120 IU) or nonfat (115 IU).
- Cereals: You can almost double your “D” by adding milk to a fortified breakfast cereal. Most cereals offer 40 IU-60 IU per serving.
- Orange Juice: OJ is in the “hot seat” right now, but by sticking with an organic orange juice, you can increase your daily vitamin D by 140 IU
3. The Natural Way: There are a handful of foods that contain vitamin D naturally.
- Salmon: Salmon tops the chart as a D-licious source and a 6-ounce sockeye fillet contains nearly 900 IU of vitamin D.
- Other Fish: Other favorite fish sources include 6-ounces of light tuna, canned in oil, which offers about 460 IU and Atlantic or Pacific halibut at 367 IU.
- Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of natural vitamin D. They deliver up to 44 IU per large egg and are 15% lower in cholesterol than previously thought.
Western society is constantly on the go, and people are eating food that is deficient in all vital nutrients. Though this may be true, that is no excuse not to get your daily dose of “D” all winter long through your healthy eating plan.
Photo by Tasselflower.
Monica D. Riley MSJ, ChP is a certified master herbalist and aromatherapist of 15 years. She currently writes a national column on Holistic Health and Wellness for the Examiner.com and shares wellness wisdom through the Vegas Holistic Health Emporium. As a graduate of Vassar College and The Medill School of Journalism, her 15-year career journey includes network reporter/journalist; executive programmer/producer with PBS and college professor. Monica incorporates a holistic lifestyle as her key to wellness. And, she is dedicated to helping others achieve their unique balance. “You can create your own wellness destiny. The secret is to maintain a mind-body-spirit synergy.” VIsit Monica’s Holistic United profile for more information.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
| By HU Team in Health & Wellness | 1 Comment »
By Beth Landau-Halpern ~
It is abundantly obvious that attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) are a common diagnosis among today’s children. This disorder is characterized by a short attention span, distractibility, disorganization, procrastination and problems with forethought, judgment and impulse control. According to leading expert Dr. Amen, an untreated child is negatively impacted in all areas of his/her life. They are more likely to be underachievers, have conflict in close relationships, and abuse drugs.
Statistics show that as many as one in ten boys are on medication for behaviors that fall under the category of ADHD. Some children do well on prescribed medications, yet many others find they experience side effects such as difficulty sleeping, suppressed appetite, diminished growth, depression, dizziness, nausea, and heart palpitations. Some parents are seeking alternative approaches to treating their child and evidence supports homeopathy as part of that alternative to drugs.
Homeopathy is a centuries-old holistic form of medicine. It seeks to heal the whole person as an individual with different ways of expressing inattentive, impulsive, hyperactive behaviours, resulting in a different, individualized homeopathic prescription. A program covers physical, mental, or emotional symptoms that may not part of the standard ADHD diagnosis. Diet is an important aspect of the healing process and is supported through supplementation with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, naturally occurring neurotransmitters, and amino acids; and psychological and behavioral support for improving the ADHD child’s chances of flourishing. Together, these integrated approaches can make enormous improvements in behavior, without any of the side effects of pharmaceutical medications.
Homeopathic medicines are safe, inexpensive, non-toxic, gentle, and free of adverse side effects. After taking a homeopathic remedy, expect to see a gentle but definite move towards improvement. Coupled with the other natural medicines, children with ADHD can improve dramatically, without reliance on pharmaceutical medications. I have seen children improve their performance in school, start to engage in healthy activities in a focused and confident manner, and get along better with their family and friends. I have seen fractured, frustrated families find peace and an easier way of functioning together, thanks to the wonderful impact of a natural approach to ADHD. A balanced, calm child means a happy, healthy family!
photo by Carmela Nava
About the Author
Beth Landau-Halpern is a Toronto-based homeopath with a special interest in treating children with ADHD and their families. Beth trained as a homeopath in London UK, after a first career as a dancer. She loves the deep connection she feels with the clients she works with and knows that listening well is a necessary step to healing. Beth has worked as a homeopath for 12 years. For more information, visit www.blh-homeopath.com and www.adhdhomeopath.com, and Beth’s Holistic United profile.
| By HU Team in Health & Wellness | 1 Comment »
“When the heart is at ease, the body is healthy.” Chinese Adage
By Erin Telford ~
Chinese medicine is all about living with the rhythms of nature. We can follow the seasons and live our lives accordingly for maximum health. We encounter problems when we go against these earthly cycles. The majority of the animal kingdom hibernates during wintertime. It is a period of restoration, quiet and inactivity in preparation for the giant burst that is spring. What do humans do? Race around frantically, travelling, attending holiday parties, amp up the workouts to avoid holiday weight gain, stress about the small stuff, and go to bed late.
These 9 Tips to Encourage Harmony and Balance will support you in the winter goal to replenish our reserves and conserve our Qi:
Eat warm, cooked foods. Just say no to salads and other raw foods throughout winter. It’s cold outside and your diet should reflect this to stay in harmony with the season. The foods to eat now are ones that naturally grow during this time of year or have been harvested and dried during autumn such as root vegetables, squashes, wintergreens, mushrooms, beans and lentils. Your body wants and needs to stay WARM. Cooking methods should reflect this – bake, roast, braise, stew and slow cook to introduce more heat into your meals. Reach for broths and stews, add more ginger and cinnamon to your meals. As always, organic, local and unprocessed products are most nutritious.
Here are some ideas of foods to add to your winter meals: beef, black beans, black mushrooms, blackberry, black sesame seeds and oil, black soybeans, blueberry, bone marrow, cabbages, celery, chard, chestnuts, cranberry, dark leafy greens, duck, eggs, ginger, goose, kale, kidney beans, kohlrabi, lamb, leeks, lotus seed, miso, mulberry, mutton, ocean perch, parsley, pine nuts, raspberry, rutabaga, seaweed, shrimp, soy sauce, string beans, turnips, walnuts, wood ear mushrooms.
Get extra sleep. This is such an active, social season for most people that we tend to get less sleep during a time when we need it the most. The Tao suggests that we go to bed with the moon and rise with the sun. While it is unrealistic for us to crawl into bed at 5pm, I’m sure many of us would like to! Where possible, try to add an extra hour to your sleep routine. Cut out the extra hour of TV or internet surfing to add rest to your schedule. We really notice how much sleep we actually need when we finally get that much needed good night’s rest. Getting up earlier also allows us the chance to absorb more of the sun’s warming energy and vitamin D!
Support your adrenal system. The stress of the holiday season can be exhausting. Stress triggers our sympathetic nervous system or our “fight or flight” response. These days this reaction is elicited by an overwhelming line at Whole Foods rather than the need to outrun a tiger. Our body’s adrenal system (the kidneys) still interprets our stress in the same way, no matter what the cause. Adrenal overload leads to adrenal exhaustion and a very burnt out person. You can combat this by cutting down on coffee, sugar and other stimulants. Research shows deep breathing is an effective way to calm the nervous system.
Wash your hands. This is the number one way to prevent spread of viruses and bacteria. Wash your hands as soon as you get home, get to work, get to school and before and after EVERYTHING. Anti-bacterial hand soaps and sanitizers reduce your skin’s ability to kill germs on its own. They are a last resort if you are unable to wash your hands but I do advise against them.
Reduce stress Find a method to add peace and calm into your life on a daily basis. The effects of stress have been documented. There are lots of easy ways to keep stress in check, but it takes daily action.
Slow down. This is not the season to strive and push through. Each season in Chinese medicine corresponds to a different organ system. Winter is the time of the Kidneys and the Bladder. The qualities of those organ systems are also the qualities of winter – rest, reflection, conservation and storage. The Kidneys are considered the source of all the energy in the body. They also store all of our “reserve” energy. The amount of reserve energy that we come into this world with could be compared to the strength of our genetic code. It has a strong effect on our physical and mental development as well as our aging process. We should naturally reduce our activity levels to conserve our energy at this time so as not to deplete our reserves.
Change Your Workout. By reducing the intensity of your workouts, you will boost energy and not deplete it. This is a time of year for nurturing and rebuilding the stores of the body in anticipation of bursting back to life in the spring. Yoga, Tai Chi or Qi Gong are perfect winter appropriate forms of activity.
Know your cold! There are two different types of colds-a ‘hot cold’ and a ‘cold cold’. Hot colds are characterized by a burning, painful sore throat, more copious sticky yellow phlegm and a possible fever and body aches. A cold type cold will present as a scratchy throat and a runny nose with clear phlegm. Each type requires different care as far as herbal remedies and dietary therapy.
At the first sign of a cold or flu, rest and see your acupuncturist. Try not to “push through” your illness or use antibiotics as a quick fix. Illness is our body’s way of telling us to slow down and take care of ourselves. Acupuncture and herbs can stop a cold in its tracks, ease your symptoms and lessen the duration of an existing illness. If you do decide to take antibiotics, acupuncture and herbs can work alongside Western treatments to compliment them.
Photo by Olga Oslina
About the Author
Erin Telford is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist with a private practice in Manhattan. She believes in the powerful healing dynamic between patient and practitioner and the body’s innate ability to move towards balance. She uses Chinese Medicine to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. For more information, visit Erin’s site at http://www.radiantheartacupuncture.com/ or her Holistic United profile.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not meant to replace treatment with a licensed health care practitioner. It is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Naturopathic Doctor or other licensed health care professional to determine which treatments are safe for you.
| By HU Team in Health & Wellness | No Comments »
by Monica D. Riley ~
Who doesn’t indulge a little over the holiday season? From office functions and parties to festive dinners, it’s difficult to resist temptation. It’s been said most people gain at least 5 pounds during the month of December. For those of you who have difficulty shedding unwanted layers, you’ll want to learn how to support metabolic function and clear up some misconceptions about your metabolism.
Here are 4 Metabolism Myths to steer you on a permanent path to healthy weight loss:
Metabolism is a “thing”: The amount of energy – that is, calories from food – that your body requires to function is called your basal metabolic rate. So, even when you’re sitting in a chair doing nothing, your body is hard at work breathing, pumping blood, growing new cells and regulating hormones.
Some people are just born with “high” metabolisms: Your basal metabolic rate is based on your height, weight, sex and age. However, what can the variable differences that affect metabolism is activity level and amount of muscle. According to Dawn Jackson Blatner, registered dietician and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, “Activity has a huge impact. It causes the body to burn calories for energy and the more you do, the more calories your burn.”
Dieting increases metabolism: The positive effects you can have on metabolism, through diet, come through digestion. “When you eat foods that are whole, and not processed, your body burns more calories simply digesting it,” Blatner says. Any diet, where your body feels like it is in starvation mode, will actually slow down your metabolism.
Metabolism slows down as you age: Age does affect your basal metabolic rate, but this is because as you age you gradually lose muscle mass. The less muscle mass you have, the fewer calories your body will burn at rest. Resistance training, two to three times a week, can help you stay lean.
Nature has provided support to increase metabolic function. These herbs, along with a healthy wellness plan, may speed up your metabolism and allow you to burn calories and fat faster! Keep your metabolism burning bright with these 12 Special Nutrients and Herbs:
Green Tea: Green tea has a thermogenic effect, raising metabolism by increasing body temperature and inducing the body to release norepinephrine. This is a chemical that speeds up calorie burning.
Kelp: Kelp, as well as other seaweeds, raise metabolism in two ways: they affect the thyroid gland and they increase basal metabolic rate. Iodine, an important component of kelp, has a direct effect on basal metabolic rate.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is an herb that has many properties, and is included in herbs to increase metabolism. When you ingest cinnamon your body heats up, burning more calories than normal for three to four hours.
Cayenne Pepper: Hot peppers are foods that speed up your metabolism, and adding cayenne pepper to your meals will speed up your metabolism for hours after you eat.
Turmeric: Found in turmeric, Curcumin is used to reduce inflammation and is being toted for having anti-cancer properties.
Ginger: Research has shown ginger to have the ability to ease arthritic pain. It’s also commonly used to settle an upset stomach.
Saffron: Although not in your toolbox, Saffron has been found to reduce PMS symptoms by 50%.
Vinegar: The acid found in vinegar (acetic acid) has been shown to support the breakdown of fat and reduces its accumulation.
Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach; add vinegar to salads or other foods.
Spirulina: Take this nutrient rich food before each meal and it will help to decrease your appetite. Its nutrient content will nourish your thyroid and provide protein to vegans.
Holy Basil: This herb proves to be a natural painkiller, with strong detoxifying, antioxident and antibacterial properties. It is an adaptogen that helps reduce cortisol and blood sugar levels.
Hawthorne: One of the herbs to increase metabolism is Hawthorne. This herbal ingredient stimulates your thyroid gland, which has a big responsibility in controlling your metabolism. You will also feel more energy, and will eliminate water retention.
Eat citrus: The University of Western Ontario found that a flavonoid in citrus fruits called naringenin causes the liver to burn excess fat. It has also helped improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of insulin resistance.
*Be aware, specific drugs can be affected by eating grapefruit. Check with your doctor if you are on any medications and would like to enjoy grapefruit.
At the end of the day there is no escaping it. We need to be more active, so here are 4 Ways to Sneak In Activity. If activity is the key to boosting your metabolism, you can fit it in anywhere!
Inconvenience yourself: Skip the conveniences like car washes, the drive-thru and valet parking and opt for a do-it-yourself-attitude.
Pack flats: Keep a pair of flats or sneakers in your car or desk and get walking!
Walk and talk: The next time you meet with your boss or catch up with a friend, why not suggest a walk together instead of a calorie laden lunch?
Small bursts of exercise: In addition to regular exercise, small bursts of exercise are easy to incorporate and the extra calories burned add up – on average of 300 more calories burned each day. The extra burst will provided you with more energy and reduces stress built up through the day.
- Take the stairs
- Mow the lawn and rake the leaves
- Dance
- Go walk your dog
- Exercise between commercials
- Complete a set of wall push ups
- 10-20 squats before leaving the bathroom
Monica D. Riley MSJ, ChP is a certified master herbalist and aromatherapist of 15 years. She currently writes a national column on Holistic Health and Wellness for the Examiner.com and shares wellness wisdom through the Vegas Holistic Health Emporium. As a graduate of Vassar College and The Medill School of Journalism, her 15-year career journey includes network reporter/journalist; executive programmer/producer with PBS and college professor. Monica incorporates a holistic lifestyle as her key to wellness. And, she is dedicated to helping others achieve their unique balance. “You can create your own wellness destiny. The secret is to maintain a mind-body-spirit synergy.” For more information on Monica visit her Holistic United profile.
Looking for a holistic provider? Search our directory to find a holistic practitioner in your area. And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog!
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