Natural Health and Wellness

Reflexology Mats Here's an example of one of them. There BIG news in gift catalogs and online. Just this morning I found a website showing one city's implementing of the theory by building three reflexology paths in their local parks. The paths seem to be a great idea. Reported results have been impressive. I'm wondering about these rugs. Having given many reflexology sessions, and received them myself, I'm know first hand the awesome benefits of this complementary modality. And having been taught to avoid extra items (caring touch is so important) I find it most difficult to believe the idea of walking in circles on even a 6-8 foot circle would give the extreme relaxation benefit of reflexology. I'm curious though. Has anyone out there experienced one of these mats? Comments expected and appreciated!!! For more information on reflexology, please visit my website, www.FootstepsInEden.com Included there you will also find links to other fun and healthful endeavors I...

This is exciting! This week I've officially joined the Reflexology Association of America. Membership in a professional organization like this seemed like someone else's dream. In fact, taking the bold step out of my comfort zone and onto the path of learning and education to become a Registered Certified Reflexologist (RCR) must have been someone else's dream, as well. In fact, in all reality, I believe my personal dreams were to0 deeply buried for too many years to even know they existed. Growing up with little encouragement from the home front to consider anything else than secretary or teacher as a future, I pretty much just made good grades because that seemed like the right thing to do, and received my B.A. just because it seemed like the right thing to do. That was in Journalism. Well, I didn't wish to teach or be a secretary, and it seemed like the next most right thing to do. . . . whatever the right thing is or was. RCR, like many other endeavors in my life, ...

Growing my reflexology business is causing me to plant my seeds in many locations. While completing my documented case studies for certification I was privileged to share the reflexology experience with two expectant moms. They were both intrigued with the benefits they experienced and how good they felt at the conclusion of the sessions. In the last few weeks I've researched the specific area of reflexology for pregnancy (mom, dad, and baby) even further. I'm looking forward in a week or so to receiving a text book specifically written on this topic, and the opportunity to further my reflexology education in this area. This weekend I had the privilege of sharing what I do with a midwife in our area. I'm so grateful for her encouragement. What I would certainly like to share here is the benefits -- so, you'll be informed, too. Just for the expectant mommy the list goes something like this: reflexology may bring some welcome relief for morning sickness, Backache, Digesti...

When introduced to ONEGroup's miessence certified organic cosmetics and skincare last spring, I believe I found a treasure chest of products. It's not really surprising, I suppose, to see all the companies out there with green claims, and perhaps healthy products. I visit to the SkinDeep website may shed some different light on many of the products you are trusting for your skin, and therefore, trusting for your body's health as well. The lower the scores, the safer the product. It's wonderful to be able to report that all of the ONEGroup miessence products fall in the SAFE category. That is just not true for many of the products whose claims you are believing and whose products you are using. This evening I read an article on the cosmetic lines incorporating nanoparticles technology being used in many lines of personal care products. It, too, is quite alarming. I encourage you to read about it at the link above. My challenge to you: After reading about nanoparti...

Our women's Sunday School class has recently begun studying the book, SELF TALK, SOUL TALK, by Jennifer Rothschild. A very key scripture of this study is the verse: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14. As you have considered this familiar verse have you ever thought about it including the words you say to yourself? What a total slap in the face of the God who created us when we call ourselves names like "Idiot," "Stupid," "Dumb," "Not Good Enough," etc. Anything less than speaking the truth of who we are in Him is language enough to bring us to our knees, breaking our hearts as we consider the wounds we have inflicted upon His. It is amazing to me how often I awake with the voices from the past who have called me some of those names, speaking over and over again. The voices become my voice. I find myself crying out to God for for...

Have you discovered just how tasty (and healthy) organic foods can be? We just love that they have so much more flavor, and are better for our bodies too! The price can often be another matter. Several months ago I joined a wholesale buying club for purchasing natural and organic goods and non-grocery items. It has been wonderful to be able to split cases and share the savings of shopping this way. With great foods on hand, I make fewer trips to the health food grocery where impulse buying often pushes my grocery budget out-of-hand. These clubs exist all over the country. Look for one near you. . . or become the coordinator for a brand new one, introducing more folks to this great idea. Look for a group near your home: United Buying Clubs

Earlier this week I found myself on an incredible internet journey. . . DESTINATION: Articles and Info about specific ways reflexology may help you, your family and your friends. I was serious about this. You must understand, in the USA not too much research has been done to document the results reflexologists see everyday. Other countries (Denmark, UK, and China mostly) have done extensive research. Their results have encouraged them to place reflexology into the mainstream of the medical community. Tennessee, the state where I live and practice reflexology, was the first state to actually set reflexolgoy apart from other modalities and professions, and its regulation does fall under health related boards. That is certainly a positive!!! My journey did lead to some interesting locations I would love to share with you. I believe if you will check these out you will learn so much about the value of reflexology as not only one of the most incredibly relaxing experiences you may have, but...

Dry, flaky, scaly, itchy . . . winter takes its toll on skin. Even as a small child my skin has always been very dry. The winter made it worse . . . so much worse, in fact, that during Jr. High years I actually received a love letter to a mermaid describing that dry miserable skin in all its ugliness. What's worse, the teacher thought the whole thing hysterical, read it to the whole class, and then posted it on the bulletin board (with my name markered out, of course). Now that's some dry skin!!! A few months ago it came to my attention that massaging Almond Oil into my skin before showering might just be the trick needed here. You know, (when I remember, of course), it really does make a huge difference. I'm using Hather Loraine Cosmetics 100% Pure Sweet Expeller Pressed Almond Oil. This is pure and natural chemical free skincare. The follow-up is also important: miessence Intensive Body Cream !!! This certified organic product from the miessence skincare line is a superb ...

This little picture represents a big mouthful to the Mouth Revolution! Now this is quite an interesting twist on eating organic and saying no to the junk food world. I've been checking out other health & wellness and green conscious blogs today. Sue's Healthy Blog had included this very funny, but serious minded video. Sue's blog is filled with helpful nutrition content. I've included it in my list of "Healthy & Nurturing Links for You and Your Family." Check it out. And for sure take a look at the Mouth Revolution video.

The advice to drink pure cranberry juice for urinary infections has been around for a long, long time. Of course, the pure stuff (very tart) is best. The February 2008 issue of ALTERNATIVE HEALTH arrived this week. A small article in this publication touted this same berry for not only E. coli, and Streptococcus mutans, but also as a defense against H. pylori bacteria. Translated that all means that this little red berry may be very useful on the defense against urinary tract infections, tooth decay, ulers, stomach cancer, stroke and heart disease. That's pretty impressive! One suggestion offered by ALTERNATIVE HEALTH is to drink 6 oz. daily. They recommend you choose the pure 100% cranberry juice* and mix it with other 100% fruit juices* or sparkling water; or use a natural sweetener lige agave or honey. *Personally, I believe the benefits only increase when choosing organic. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the Kroger Private Selection brand of organic cranberry juice ...