Reflexology

Reflexology is an art and science that is based on the principle that there are minimaps of the entire body mirrored on the feet, hands and ears. Pressure applied to specific points on these minimaps helps to create balance within the body, soothing the nervous system, improving circulation and reducing stress.

It is a science as it requires careful study, practice, a sound knowledge of techniques, anatomy and physiology, pathology and skill, but is also an art as the reflexologist has to work with focused intention, dedication, patience and loving care.

Reflexologists use a holistic approach to healthcare. They do not diagnose or treat for a specific illness but regular sessions help to create optimum conditions to allow the body the best chance of healing itself naturally. Acute conditions may improve with one or two sessions but more chronic conditions will take your body longer to heal.

Benefits of reflexology:
Stress reduction
Deep relaxation
Increased energy
Pain reduction or elimination
Improved circulation
Healthy internal balance
Natural detoxification

Although there is no exact historical record, the earliest evidence of reflexology dates back to early Egypt in the form of a pictograph in the tomb of a medical doctor, second to the king, around 5,00o years ago. From here the knowledge of reflexology traveled to Greece, Arabia and Europe through the Roman Empire. In the east the history can be traced from India to China and then onto Japan.

In 1917 William H. Fitzgerald M.D. an ear, nose and throat specialist in the United States developed vertical zone theory of the human body and proved that applying pressure on a specific area on one part of the feet or hands had an anesthetic effect on another area in the body. In 1924 Joe Shelby Riley MD further developed this theory by dividing the vertical zones into horizontal zones, his work also included the ear.

Foot and Hand Reflexology was further developed by Eunice D. Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist who worked with Joe Shelby Riley, in the 1930s and 1940s. Ingham claimed that the feet and hands were especially sensitive, and then mapped the entire body into "reflexes" on the feet. It was at this time that "zone therapy" was renamed reflexology.

Although some reflex points on the outer ear were known in Ancient China, Ancient Mediterranean countries as well as in the Dark and Middle Ages of Europe it was not until 1957 that a map representing the human body was discovered in the outer ear by another MD - Dr Paul Nogier in France. This map was generally verified in China in 1959 - discovering some differences but may similarities and has been used for Acupuncture and Acupressure since this time.

Chi Nei Tsang

Chi Nei Tsang (Chinese "Chi" meaning energy, and "Nei Tsang" meaning internal organs) is a traditional Chinese system of healing massage that utilises the five elements of Traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on the navel centre of the body; conditioning the organs to work more efficiently.

It originated in Taoist monasteries to help monks detoxify, strengthen and refine their bodies in order to carry the high energy required to perform the highest levels of spiritual practices. Chi Nei Tsang is a unique internal organ therapy using applied Qigong to help create balance of body, mind and spirit.

It addresses all the vital systems of the body: digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and muscular. A Chi Nei Tsang session includes coaching in breathing, nutrition, visualization, and self-manipulation promoting the ethic of self-responsibility and breaking the cycle of dependency in a practical manner.

Che Nei Tsang frees the blockages in the abdomen and guides the healing energy through the entire body. The benefits of Chi Nei Tsang include:
Get rid of abdominal pains
Digest and assimilate better
Eliminate regularly
Breathe more fully and effortlessly
Release physiological and emotional blockages
Detoxify and strengthen weak or damaged organs
Correct old chronic structural problems that resisted other treatments
Boosts immunity

Live in rooms full of light
Avoid heavy food
Be moderate in the drinking of wine
Take massage, baths, exercise, and gymnastics
Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water
Change surroundings and take long journeys
Strictly avoid frightening ideas
Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements
Listen to music


A Cornelius Celsus

Ginger

Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
Action: Advujent, Analgesic, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumetic, Antiseptic, Antitussive, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Digestive, Expectorant, Stimulant, Tonic
Taste: Hot

Internal Application: Ginger is the quintessential panacea in many traditional medicine pharmacopoeia. As a hot herb, ginger is a powerful stimulant, especially for the digestive tract. It is the herb choice for stimulation of digestion, and is used to combat flatulence, indigestion, gastritis, peptic ulcer, diarrhea, sluggish digestion, nausea and vomitting. Ginger tea is also used in colds, congestion, sore throat, fevers, nausea, seasickness, mouth sores, hemorrhoids, and beri-beri (vitamin B1 deficiency), earning it the reputaion as a cure-all. Traditional healers give ginger tea to mothers immediately following birth to promote health and rapid recovery. Ginger also acts as galactogogue, encouraging production of breast milk. Ginger is used as an adjuvant in many herbal preparations in order to lessen side effects and increase potency of other herbs, and is the most frequently used herbs in this preparation.

Preparation: Decoction from one thumb-length (about 5g) fresh ginger, finely chopped, grated or mashed. Boil 10-15 minutes; drink after meals. For cough and cold, add lemon juice.

Topical application: Ginger has a powerful antiseptic action and may be used topically for bacterial and fungal skin infections, parasites and acne.

Preparation: Mash fresh ginger and make a paste. Apply topically to skin. For sores within the mouth, gargle with ginger tea and pinch of salt.

The Law of Pure Potentiality

The source of all creation is pure consciousness. Pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest. And when we realize that our true Self is one of pure potentiality, we align with the power that manifests everything in nature.

I will put the Law of Pure Potentiality into effect by making a commitment to take the following steps:

1. I will get in touch with the field of pure potentiality by taking time each day to be silent, to just Be. I will also sit alone in silent meditation at least twice a day for approximately thirty minutes in the morning and thirty minutes in the evening.

2. I will take time each day to commune with nature and to silently witness the intelligence within every living thing. I will sit silently and watch a sunset, or listen to the sound of the ocean or a stream, or simply smell the scent of a flower. In the ecstasy of my own silence, and by communing with nature, I will enjoy the life throb of ages, the field of pure potentiality and unbounded creativity.

3. I will practice non-judgment. I will begin my day with the statement, "Today, I shall judge nothing that occurs", and throughout the day I will remind myself not to judge.

from chopra.com

The Warrior Within

Awaken your inner wisdom, vision and spirit. These grounding blends will uplift and empower you as you grow in the process of awakening the warrior within. Known to nurture willpower and alleviate feelings of loss of self-esteem, they will bring you a positive and empowering energy, helping build the confidence to break out and embrace your own energy.

Warming
3 drops Clary Sage
3 drops Vetiver

Cooling
3 drops Pine
3 drops Cypress

by Judy Chapman

Ayurvedic Eye Exercises

The following exercises will stregnthen your eyes:

First, blink the eyes rapidly several times. Then, with the eyes open, move your eyes in this pattern:
up and down
side to side
diagonally from top left to bottom right
diagonally from top right to bottom left
clockwise in a circle
counterclockwise in a circle

Hold your arm outstretched in front of you. Look at the tip of your index finger, and gradually bring the finger close to you, following it with your ryes, until it touches your "third eye", between the eyebrows.

Look at the tip of your nose, and then towards your "third eye".

Finally, close your eyes tightly, then release. These exercises are beneficial for improving the circulation of eccentric muscles of the eyeball.

After finishing the exercises, or anytime your eyes feel tired or strained, rub your palms vigorously together for a few seconds to generate some warmth, then place them lightly over your eyes. Feel how soothing the warmth is. Keep them there for a minute or two to strengthen and nourish your eyes.

by Vasant Lad, BAMS, MASc