Natural Health and Wellness

Most ancient cultures had some form of foot therapy. The Native American Indian cultures, Egyptians and Chinese independently developed methods which were all based on the same principle. In Ancient Egypt dating around 2500BC, there are hieroglyphics on the tomb wall of Ankmahor a famous physician documenting a type of massage on the hands and feet. In Buddhist, Hindu and Jewish traditions shoes are always removed when entering into a Holy space. Feet have always had a special significance biblically. The Chinese have used pressure on acupressure points as a healing method for over 5000 years. Centuries and social change saw much of these techniques lost to time. Reflexology as we know it today began as a theory called Zone Therapy, conceived by a throat and nose surgeon Dr. William Fitzgerald in the USA in the early 1900s. He had discovered a Chinese method whereby applying pressure to one part of the body created an anaesthetic affect on another part of the body. He did extensiv

People are turning to complementary therapies more now as they are not getting full satisfaction and results from conventional medicine alone. A combination of the two appears to be the key for many & much research has been conducted by professionals to support this. This is evident now as Health providers namely VHI , Quinn Healthcare & Aviva offer partial cover depending on your Health Plan on certain complementary therapies for example Reflexology & Massage. These therapies are also used in many Hospitals, Care Homes, Hospices, Mental Health Institutions & in the Corporate world. Loretta's treatments can assist & promote a variety of the following: Hormone Balance: Regulate menstruation & PMT ; Improve fertility; Healthy & enjoyable pregnancy; Menopausal symptoms Depression, grief & anxiety: Promote positivity & improve mood; Build confidence & satisfaction in life Stress Reduction: Enhances clarity & more focused outlook;

Holistic Massage History Massage may be the oldest and simplest form of medical care. Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. In Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced continually since ancient times. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C., The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine , recommends 'breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet" as the appropriate treatment for -complete paralysis, chills, and fever." It was one of the principal method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians . The Greeks used massage as part of everyday fitness and exercise. The Romans used it for stiffness, curing disease, strengthening and healing the body. In the 19th century a Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling used a system based on a study of gymnastics and physiology, and on techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Physiotherapy, originally based on Ling's methods, was established with the foundatio

Indian Head Massage is based on the ancient traditions of massage and the Ayurvedic system of healing that has been practised in India for thousands of years. This holistic approach combines natural therapies healing mind, body and spirit. The family tradition of massage in India dates back to the beginnings of Hinduism and plays an important role in the life of the family. Infants are massaged daily till the age of 3, and then twice weekly until the age of 7. Then will be thought massage techniques and will be encouraged to use it within the family. Preparation rituals for wedding ceremonies include massage. Various oils like coconut, sesame, mustard, almond & herbal oils are used throughout the year relating to the seasons. Hair is kept shiny, lustrous and healthy. Grandmothers, mothers & daughters sit one in front of the other and simultaneously massage the head and hair. Barbers invigorate the scalps using champi head massage which is where we get our word shampoo. I

Aromatic oils and plants have been used for thousands of years, as herbal preparations, embalming and preserving the dead, incense, perfume and to help prevent disease. The ancient Egyptian culture clearly documented their use of aromatic medicine in their hieroglyphic records and papyrus manuscripts dating back to the reign of Khufu around 2800 BC. They used aromatics for medicinal and cosmetic purposes and to embalm the dead. Evidence of the use of herbs in the way of aromatic barks, resins, perfumed oils, wines and vinegar's were found dating back to 4500 BC. Egyptian priests were doctors and alchemists and used aromatic substances for healing. Tutankhamen's tomb dated to 1350 BC, and opened in 1922 AD, contained pots which still had traces of frankincense, myrrh and styrax. These oils prevented the bodies from rotting so when the mummies were discovered many years later they were perfectly preserved. They were renowned for herbal preparations and ointments and were experts

Dr. Mikao Usui (1865-1926) after many years of study discovered this form of healing practice. He discovered a method of accessing and using this healing energy and how to pass the ability to others. Usui was a scholar taught in a seminary, travelled extensively and learnt other languages. This way he could study both Christian and Buddhist scriptures and Sanskrit Sutras . He ended up in a Zen Buddhist monastery where he chose to find the answers he was seeking. He did a 21 day fast and meditation up Mount Kumara . On the last day of his retreat he was struck by a great light and saw sacred symbols. He acquired a deep understanding, spiritual empowerment and enlightenment. He rushed down the mountain with his knowledge and excitement and hurt his foot in his haste. He bent down to tend to his foot, miraculously the pain stopped and he was healed. Usui then realised that he had discovered the healing power that he had been searching for. This knowledge was passed on to Dr. Chuji

Elderly It is sometimes assumed that complementary therapies like massage and aromatherapy etc. are designed for younger people however elderly people can also largely benefit from the healing touch and sense of nurturing that these treatments bring about. As complementary therapies also work on an emotional level it can help people to deal with grief, loss, loneliness and seperation. While there are many elderly people who are in excellent health, most have at least some medical situations that must be taken into consideration when performing the treatments. Most elderly people have more sensitive skin and can be prone to bruising. Depending on an elderly client's level of physical activity, muscle tissue may be substantially diminished and bony structures are likely to be more fragile and at risk of breaking. Blood and lymphatic circulation is probably sluggish. Almost all older people suffer from osteoarthritis caused by worn out joints that can also put pressure on their nerve

Healing is something far more profound than curing disease. In this video, medical pioneer Larry Dossey shares how healing is a process of connecting with our infinite non-local nature, which helps us transcend our fear of death and alleviate suffering at the root level.

Increased consumption of leafy green vegetables is associated with lower risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a British Medical Journal meta-analysis finds. Researchers examined data from six prospective cohort studies that measured individual consumption of fruits and vegetables. The studies also assessed the development of diabetes over a median of 13 years. Intake of fruit or vegetables, either alone or combined, was not associated with lower risk. In the four studies that specifically measured the intake of leafy green vegetables, a 14% reduction in diabetes risk was apparent between the highest and lowest levels of consumption. The authors cite the antioxidant effects of beta-carotene, polyphenols, and vitamin C as possible mechanisms for this effect. Editorialists comment that dietary advice "may be just as beneficial, if not more so, than prescribing drugs" to patients at risk

Hello Colorado Friends! I wanted to let you know about an art show I'll be having a booth in next month (Sept 10 & 11). It's a school fundraising event for Serena's former school, The Patchwork School. You can view more information at: http://www.artintheschoolhouse.com/ I'll be selling my Whimsical Love prints and magnets along with my Prayer Gardens. 50% of the proceeds go to the school. Hope to see you there!

A new analysis study done by researcher Ian Reid, MD, of New Zealand’s University of Aukland, found that women who are taking calcium supplements are increasing their risk of heart disease by 20-30%. Dr. Reid told WebMD, “I think we need to seriously consider whether calcium supplementation is a good thing for most people, given that it is associated with a very small decrease in fracture risk." He went on to say, which we've been learning for years...“We encourage our patients to get their calcium from the foods they eat and not from supplements.” To read the entire article on WebMD, click here . Dr. Carol Watson, ND says "Doctors who study calcium now understand that the amount of calcium absorbed depends on its interaction with other dietary constituents. In other words, the absorbability of calcium is mainly determined by the presence of food constituents. One study (taken from a research article written by Robert Theil, Ph.D., N.D.) found that whole food calcium i

Here are some simple eye exercises you can do to strengthen your eyes. 1)  Keeping your head still, turn your eyes from side to side 6 times, repeat 2 or 3 times. 2)  Keeping your head still, move your eyes up and down 6 times, repeat 2 or 3 times. 3) Keeping your head still, gently roll your eyes in a circle and then reverse it, repeat 2 or 3 times. Do these exercises daily.  

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol sweetner, found in the fibres of many fruits and vegetables.  It is a wonderful substitute to refined sugar and comes in a crystalized form that you can spinkle on food.  It is actually good for you and helps to reduce cavities and ear and sinus infections and it tastes good!  A great substitute to use in recipes, especially for children.  It also has antibacterial properties.  You can purchase it in the health section in your local supermarket, or at a health store.

What happens when you change the food within a school from processed, standard American diet foods to a healthy, vegetarian meals? Watch this amazing 5 year study in an Appleton Wisconsin school.

Loretta is a certified & licenced Heal Your Life workshop trainer. She is also a highly qualified & registered Reflexologist, TM Reiki/Sekheim Master & Teacher, Aromatherapist, Holistic Massage & Indian Head Massage Therapist. She has experienced a magical journey of self discovery & healing through all of her training. Her life journey & experiences are of great benefit to her in helping her clients to understand their own path, their own bodies & how they can move forward when the time is right for them to do so. Loretta uses elements of gentle healing through all of her therapies to enhance the opportunities on every level. She is delighted to have found a career that she is passionate about.

I love this entertaining and certainly thought provoking video. Chocolate, Cheese, Meat, and Sugar: Physically Addictive Foods Neal Barnard MD discusses the science behind food additions. Willpower is not to blame: chocolate, cheese, meat, and sugar release opiate-like substances. Dr. Barnard also discusses how industry, aided by government, exploits these natural cravings, pushing us to eat more and more unhealthy foods. A plant-based (vegan) diet is the solution to avoid many of these problems. Neal Barnard is the founder of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

One of my favorite, eye-opening movies on the impact of food and health. You can watch the entire video online!

Here is an excerpt of an article by Sherry Baker, Health Sciences Editor written in Natural News.com on how grape seed extract combats leukemia. "Now there's another reason to appreciate the healthy phytochemicals contained in grapes. Researchers from the University of Kentucky have found a natural substance in the fruit that's deadly to malignant leukemia cells. The powerful cancer fighter, derived from grape seeds, triggered the death of 76 percent of leukemia cells exposed to the extract in a laboratory experiment. The scientists just reported this study in the January 1, 2009, issue of Clinical Cancer Research , a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. They also published data that reveals the cell signaling pathway that grape seed extract impacts to trigger the death, or apoptosis, of leukemia cells. The University of Kentucky researchers concluded the extract "turns on" a protein known as JNK that regulates the cancer

Up until today, I have spent my entire life moaning about the wind!   I live against a mountainside and overlook the ocean, so we do get a lot of wind.  My husband has just returned from a trip overseas and he brought me a wind chime for the back garden.  Oh, how I love the wind now........I cannot wait for it to be windy, the sounds of the chimes are just gorgeous.  I think the lesson here, is to always look for the good in everything........

While driving my children to school this morning, I literally drove through a rainfall of white feathers.  I really believe in Angels and that when we find white feathers, they are messages from Angels.  A dear friend of mine lost her husband 5 months ago and when I sent her a text message telling her that I had just driven through a rainfall of feathers, she replied by saying "Beautiful, his way of thanking you for your friendship". 

Good Morning Blog Friends (and those who follow Footsteps In Eden Relfexology on facebook and twitter, too.) Via a great reflexologist (and mentor to many of the rest of us reflexologists), Kevin Kunz, I have the opportunity to share this educational and fun interactive hand reflexology chart with you. Ever wonder where to press on your thumb or fingers or palm of your hand to make other parts of your body feel better? Have a look. Play with it. Play with your hands. :o). You may be surprised by the effects. Alternating pressue (inch worm style) from thumb or fingers works well. Click on the "reflexology hand chart" widget to the right of this blog post to begin. To learn more about reflexology and how it may benefit you and your family, please visit Footsteps In Eden's website . Photo: www.multimedia-stock.com

Laying aside the main topic of health & wellness and reflexology here. Taking the moment to share and celebrate our growing family. Introducing our two newest grandchildren: Faith Meron Watson & Asher Melese Watson These children are sister and brother. Their new parents are our son and daughter-in-law, Amy & David Watson. 2 yr old, Isaac, has been waiting for his new siblings, and will be excited to meet them, too. Learn more about this family's adoption journey and view additional photos of these beautiful children at www.EthiopiasCalling.blogspot.com As we prepare to welcome these two special blessings from Ethiopia, Africa, into our family in the next couple of months it seemed appropriate to share the video below. "You Raise Me Up" is one of my favorite songs. It is sung here by Josh Groban and the African Children's Choir. (Please ignore the "donate to American Idol" messages on the screen. This is not a promo for them.) Enjoy the video!

Keep your kids busy with making stress balls, they will love it! Go to the beach or buy some sand. Buy some balloons and fill them with sand, using a funnel and tie the ends. They feel wonderful when you squeeze them, it really does relieve stress.