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Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Summer Spa
May 3, 2015
— 7 Comments
hibiscus
There are beautiful facilities with amazingly talented staff members designed to deliver health and fitness retreats. Destination spas, hot spring thermal spas, or spas within hotels provide environments conducive to relaxation for time spent away from home. Time spent breaking undesirable habits or simply reducing stress for a happier healthier outlook is valuable. It is wonderful to find both time and funds to concentrate on body and mind. The test of healthy resolve occurs when we are once again in our normal day to day setting. This summer I plan to stay home in Tucson. Rather than lament these circumstances I have decided to create summer spa, the staycation that cures what ails you. The trick to good health is balance and reasonable discipline. I can’t spare the time to leave home, but I can arrange my schedule to make daily, weekly and monthly health goals part of my routine.
- Calculate- Using the Fitbit program I will log food, water, sleep and exercise
- Donate- Fill a large bag of unwanted items to give to charity monthly
- Juice Bar- Monday-Thursday make and drink fresh juice and avoid alcohol
- Body Work- Shiatsu, acupuncture, or lymphatic drainage at least once a week
- Fitness Shuffle-Attempt a new class or active experience twice a month
- At the gym-Daily aerobic activity derived from equipment use or swimming laps
First and foremost my plan for better health will include daily time for art. Poetry writing and creating visual art satisfy a need I have to express myself. I notice that when I am absorbed in thinking about art or music I live in an elevated state. Artfulness gives me great pleasure. I am at my best when I reserve time to appreciate the work of others and be inspired to create something myself. I include cooking in the list of my creative hobbies. It works well for me to shift my attention to new healthy ways to prepare food. The pleasure involved in mixing flavors and savoring the finished meal is essential to my well being. I can add a colorful and delightful juice bar rather than consider giving up alcohol. In the end it is only the sustainable habits that will make a difference. Too much repression or strict diet can make the mind recoil from the entire business. It is best to have a plan, build your foundation, and be a little flexible to account for real life.
What kind of summer are you going to have, gentle reader? Do you include health as a goal when making your plans?
reflection in my pool
Reflexology Rules
August 23, 2014
— 1 Comment
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- Carol Crockett, RN NBCR
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- Carol Crockett, RN NBCR
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- Carol Crockett, RN NBCR
Reflexology is a powerful healing modality for the entire body. I recently made my feet very sore and wanted to recover as quickly as possible. I booked some sessions with Carol Crockett, who is an excellent therapist I had visited in the past. My overall health as well as my aching feet benefit greatly from the treatments. She provides an eye pillow and follows your lead about talking or observing silence. I can be in the mood for either one because Carol also knows a lot about health and makes a very congenial conversationalist. She worked as a hospital nurse before she took her training to work in reflexology. This is really important in her work with cancer patients at the U of A Supportive Care for Healing department at the Cancer Center. Since this treatment can be done without the luxury of the massage table she often goes upstairs to the chemo unit to give sessions for the patients who need her help. She works at the hospital one day a week, but she also offers cancer patients a discount on services at her private practice, Footbliss Reflexology.
Carol has a great intuitive sense of healing and makes her client feel very comfortable by explaining what she is up to during the session. Most people don’t want a play by play of their relaxing treatment, but if you have any questions she is very knowledgeable and expressive. I sometimes discuss general health topics with her and am impressed with the depth and breadth of skill of her knowledge. She is a champion of non invasive modalities for healing and enhancing health, but is, by no means, interested in doing any preaching or converting. If you have never received any kind of body work or touch healing therapy I think starting with reflexology is a perfect way to get to know how to enjoy and benefit from professional massage therapy. You remain clothed and it is very pleasant during the entire process. Carol uses essential oils to enhance the whole experience. For those of us with advanced tastes in body work she can offer facial reflexology as well as Tenzo, a combination of shiatsu style movements combined with reflexology which is also performed with the client fully clothed. She sometimes substitute teaches the yoga classes at the hospital, and offers private instruction in yoga in her private practice. If you are interested in improving your health and adding some pure bliss to your life I encourage you to try reflexology. If you live in Tucson I highly recommend Carol’s variety of healing services. She is talented and professional.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
August 11, 2014
— 1 Comment
cosmetic acupuncture
I have just completed a series of acupuncture treatments to rejuvenate my face. Jessica Breton completed studies with Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture System to add to her skills and offerings but was not convinced of the efficacy of the treatment. She asked some of her friends to do a test as her models to look for results, and all reported looking and feeling better. Each person has a unique experience but everyone benefits in several ways. Skin texture improves because the use of very superficial needles stimulates collagen and elastin to flow from within the body to the face. Wrinkles smooth out for the same reason. Cheeks lift and the jawline firms. This is a gradual improvement that lasts for many months after completion.
The series includes 10 sessions with full body acupuncture to address personal state of health in general and an elaborate placement of many needles in the skin of the face. One normally does two treatments a week until finished, but I took a couple of vacation weeks off with no ill effect. I decided to do it because my thermography indicated inflammation in my face, sinus, head area. Acupuncture is powerfully good medicine to bring balance and better all around health. I decided the face needles would surely address that inflammation I saw around my head that concerned me. To be honest it is a little bit difficult to have those needles in your face without wiggling or itching or disturbing them, but the experience taught me more meditative patience and focus. It doesn’t really hurt, but it requires some ability to chill and take your mind off the obvious (needles in your face). The results are very good in terms of the look and feel of my face, but my over all health is the big winner. I followed through with a third session each week for my body as well, so I have had a lot of extra help balancing my chi. Jessica told me several clients at Zylla Acupuncture have started as cosmetic clients and continued to come because they discovered the value of regular acupuncture treatment. I am pleased that I decided to try the cosmetic side of her practice and would recommend it to anyone.
Austin Ashiatsu, Better than Your Average Bodywork
July 24, 2014
— 1 Comment
I had the deep pleasure (pun intended) of experiencing for myself the talented feet of Cathy Royder. I can admit to being a bodywork pig. But I am a picky and discriminating bodywork pig. At home I am a patron of the “hospital spa”, Supportive Care for Healing at the U of A Cancer Center. The public is welcome to use the facility, with or without cancer. The very best therapists in Tucson give 1 hour treatments there for just $40, which is hog heaven for a bodywork pig like me. I do patronize some therapists in their private practices as well, but usually I get those bargain treatments because I can afford more of them.
On holiday now I am in exotic splurge mode because that is what holidays are intended to be. Lucky for me Austin Ashiatsu is literally right down the street from my temporary home in the hood. A quick check of the map, an easy to navigate appointment made on the website….and voilá….I found myself under the very capable feet of Ms.Royder,L.Ac, MAOM, LMT. She asked me what kind of pressure I wanted and I replied that she could go all the way. After a couple of minutes I had to tell her to lighten up a bit. I was astonished how such a small person could exert so much pressure. We arrived at the perfect pressure for me, and I drifted into happy land for the next hour. The treatment was lovely and I feel very balanced and refreshed as a result. If you live in Austin, make yourself an appointment for a super mini holiday at 1306 E 7th St. If you are visiting the city I recommend this experience to make your time here extra special. I recommend this service to anyone who likes to feel good. She will whip out the tuning forks in certain circumstances…I might need to return for that!!! Tuning forks on acupuncture points is a very powerful way to treat the body.
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- Cathy Royder
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- tuning forks
Jessica Breton, L.Ac
February 18, 2013
— 5 Comments
Jessica Breton, L Ac
Last week I had a treatment from Jessica Breton at my hospital/spa. She does acupuncture at the Supportive Care for Healing at U of A Cancer Center. I recently overcame my fear of needles to try acupuncture and am now a huge fan. It has had a very salubrious effect on me. I expect when one is very ill it might be super curative. Jessica is like the other practitioners I have met at the hospital, extremely competent. She has additional skills that she uses in her private practice that are not employed at the hospital. As my treatment progressed I already felt good, but when she commenced to to cranial sacral work while I wore my needles I just loved it. It was noticeable to me that this was only my third acupuncture treatment and I was relaxed and looking forward to the boost of euphoria that I now associate with it. I had a big fear of needles that had existed since early childhood. I still do not want anyone to give me a shot or take my blood, but these needles are really super friendly.
Jessica has a low key style that made me feel very relaxed. In fact, at one point I asked if the needles were still in because I had no sensation of them. The resulting effects were not subtle. I noticed a freeing and balanced feeling that I am starting to know comes from acupuncture. In her private practice she does cupping and moxa as well as Tui Na. These modalities are similar in that they diagnose by reading pulses and your tongue. They address the balance of chi in the meridians. Tui Na works on the ligaments to restore balance and order. Each can be powerful alone, but combined they make an effective treatment more beneficial for the body.
To reach Jessica for an appointment at Zylla Acupuncture in Tucson you can call 520-221-6559 or reach her at zhenpoints@gmail.com. She is punctual, polite and professional.
Lunar New Year in China
February 9, 2013
— 2 Comments
The official political message this year of the Communist leaders of China is curb waste and conserve air quality this lunar new year. Banquets and fireworks are under fire for waste and pollution. The ancestors are featured heavily in celebrations of this holiday in China. The festival begins on the new moon, this year 10 Feb, 2013, and lasts for 15 days. Many Chinese people travel great distances to be at home for this time of year. Fireworks are central to the family party. I am a huge fan of pyrotechnics. I am not attracted to witness displays in China because frequent fires and accidents are the result of unregulated manufacture and distribution.
The practice of making noise to scare away evil spirits is ancient. China produces 90% of the fireworks in the world after inventing them. The original firecrackers were chunks of wet bamboo thrown into a fire. The invention of gunpowder in China around 600-900 AD changed everything. The public and private parties to welcome the Year of the Snake will last for a month. If you want to party with the Snake, clean your house, wrap even numbered dollar amounts in red paper and give them to your family, and do not wash your hair or sweep your house on the first day. You may be able follow up with Lion dancers in your community, and if you are lucky, some fireworks to scare away the evil forces in your life. Good to go.
Exit the Dragon, Enter the Black Water Snake
February 1, 2013
— 3 Comments
The Chinese New Year will arrive on Feb. 10, 2013, ushering in the year of the black water snake. The lady above and her snake, Precious, demonstrate snake power in action. Long associated with healing, the snake is a symbol of wisdom, contemplation, insight through meditation. In the Chinese zodiac the snake is a fortuitous influence that increases the flow of wealth around it. Snake year bodes well for profit through attention to detail. The significance of the color black is that of deep, unexpected change. It is important to be very mindful and attentive to detail in the coming year to avoid unexpected deeply tragic change. The flow of water inside the body deserves full attention, as the year will be all about kidney chi. Everything is always about kidney chi, but the importance of fluids in every sense, will be key in managing good health in the year of the black water snake.
Winter is the Season of the Water Element
January 14, 2013
The elemental nature of winter coincides with water. Diet and activity can make a big difference to our health during the cold season. Water and the kidney meridian will determine if you are easy going and flowing, or timid and fearful. Your basic constitution, your resilience, is found in the health of your kidneys. During winter it is important to cover the head, neck, and abdomen to stay warm. It is helpful to eat a diet that includes some ginger and cranberries, to preserve the water balance in the body. Nettles are an herbal remedy that also works very well as a balancing tonic. You can simply drink tea made from nettles, which has a very mild flavor, but a powerful effect.
If you have too much water you will feel sluggish and swollen. Too little will result in bitterness and brittle bones. All the organs depend on the kidneys to balance PH and electrolytes. During winter the kidneys are most vulnerable, prone to deficiency or excess. This causes a stagnation of all the organ functions. this sluggish state causes depression and confusion. Simple movements such as the qigong above, twists and bends the area of the kidneys to bring fresh circulation to the adrenals and kidneys. This one is simple to follow, but there are many examples you can learn. TCM is becoming more popular in the US because it works. Try it. You might like it, and your renal system will thank you for it.
Bubbling Spring of Health and Confidence
January 12, 2013
— 2 Comments
I was reminded of a meditation technique I used to practice, but have almost forgotten. The bubbling spring meditation is an active way to make contact with the earth element and move stagnant energy in the body. It is powerful and easy to learn. I need to brush up and use it, since it is vital to remember how energy flows (and becomes stagnant) in the body. Kidneys, as well as kidney chi, are the source of confidence and mental clarity. I think this is the big mental illness plague confusing and freaking out the United States. The kidney chi of the nation has been trashed with coffee and alcohol, drugs and junk food. The adrenal gland of the nation is shot from constant flight or flight paranoid delusional thinking. This is a people in need of contact with the earth, our supporting element. The water element of your body meets the earth at a specific point on the bottom of your foot known as the kidney one point. You can learn about this in more detail from a teacher of qigong, Tai Chi, or any Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, such as an acupuncturist. I encourage you to do so.
Kidney one, a point to be found on the sole of your foot, is the important gateway to health available with each step you take. All you need to do is to find kidney one and start to know how it makes your life either lovely or hellish. Once you know, you will respect the kidney meridian. I spent a lot of time in dementia wards for a few years when my mom needed care. We rescued her from that care because the standard of care was to dehydrate the helpless seniors to death. A few years later all the citizens of my country, including the congress, resemble the folks we met in the locked dementia wards. They are angry, and irrational like crazy fire. Kidney chi, gentle reader, kidney chi.
The water element is as unhealthy in our emotional society as the bodies of polluted water are around the globe. We polluted the water on earth the same way we emotionally pollute our society. We dis the flow. We fight the river. We ignore the Tao. Simple steps can be taken to restore balance and order. Awareness is the key.
The Spleen and I
January 5, 2013
— 1 Comment
To vent one’s spleen is an expression that means to express anger. The spleen is located in Thoracic Park, on the upper left side of your ribcage. It has very important work to do as part of the lymphatic system. In history it has been thought of in different ways, as has all anatomy and physiology. I have been studying the spleen and learning what it likes in order to make mine happier.
Your spleen likes to be warm and dry…What? It wants to be dry in terms of not waterlogged by stagnation, and warm in terms of internal energy combustion. Diet and exercise are the remedies to use to create the warm and dry conditions your spleen desires. Heaviness or lethargy is referred to as moisture in the system in Chinese Medicine, a clinical example being arthritis. This moisture is regulated throughout the body by the spleen, which works in concert with the pancreas. The happy spleen is given a diet of orange vegetables, ginger, garlic, cardamom, corn,mushrooms, barley and rye. The problem with my spleen seems to be that a happy spleen also avoids SALSA!!!!, citrus, alcohol, coffee,tofu, avocados, and some other staples in my diet. One can only hope these can be brought back in moderation after my spleen and I are on better terms.
The earth element represents support. Since my spleen supports me by filtering my lymphatic system and producing white blood cells, I feel very loyal to it. I am going to give it the kind of attention it needs and wants, including lots of core strength exercises. Plenty of movement is essential for healthy spleen Qi, including abdominal moves that help pump the lymph. Stagnation is a result of too much unhealthy food and lethargy. Together they form the vicious cycle of spleen gone out of whack. My lucky spleen has had strong advocates showing me the error of my ways. I hear you and promise that spleeny and I will be charting a better course, thanks to your professionalism. I am now ever so aware of the neglect and negligence on my part which lead to this condition. I applaud and appreciate my spleen for sticking with me while I learned how to mend my ways. I have many nice orange vegetables on hand to feed it.
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