August 2016 Issue | Holistic Houston

AUGUST

2016

[ Mind ­ Body ­ Spirit ] [ Articles ] [ Events & Workshops ] [ Practitioners ]

ADMIRE YOUR OWN EFFORTS BODY-MIND MEDITATION WORKSITE WELLNESS PROGRAMS GOD VS DEVIL: SOMETHING TO CONSIDER WHAT IS NATURAL HEALING? CONFESSIONS OF A SPIRIT MEDIUM: 7 ROOKIE LESSONS TOP 10 WAYS TO HELP YOUR HAIR GROW FASTER

www.HolisticHouston.com

Letter From the Editor Issue 3 | August 2016 They say the beginning of something is always slow, yet we are proof that when we are in alignment with our truth, with our vision and with our purpose everything just falls into place.

Holistic Houston is growing at an amazing rate! I have to admit, it’s so beautiful and touching

to receive messages, emails and calls from both readers and advertisers thrilled about our publication. We’re even getting experts from different parts of the city coming across our publication and contacting almost immediately us to collaborate in future projects.

But here is the important item to always remember: it’s not about us growing as a magazine, it’s about us coming together and growing as a community. A community of love, of healing, of transformation, of hope and of unity.

I thank you all for your love and support, and I look forward to speaking to each of you soon! May you enjoy this month’s issue!

Much love to you today and always,

Table of Contents 3

Admire Your Own Efforts

5

Body-Mind Meditation

8

Worksite Wellness Programs

12

God vs Devil: Something to Consider

14

What is Natural Healing?

16

Confessions of a Spirit Medium: 7 Rookie Lessons

20

Top 10 Ways to Help Your Hair Grow Faster

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by Glenys Young

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by Felicia Marie Giouzelis Editor’s Reference

by Erica Antonetti Editor’s Reference

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 2

Admire Your Own Efforts

A few days ago I came across an old entry I wrote 3 years ago regarding my move from South Florida to Texas. I’ve decided to share with you part of that entry here because it’s amazing how our very own words can move and teach us even years later.

By ANGIE ROMERO June 2013 -- Just last night, I went to FICAM (where I studied my 3-year program of complementary and alternative medicine) for one last meditation class and to say good bye.

Sitting there I had a flash back of the very first day I ever attended a meditation class at that center almost 4 years ago.

What a contrast to the “me” who was sitting there today.

The “old-me” had a mind full of stories, of trances, that dictated my beliefs and ran my life. It

was what I call today the monkey-brain on sugar rush!!

Unknowingly, I used to run my life mostly 1) in my victim mentality, 2) believing that there was something beyond ... something out there in spirituality ... but 3) not really living it or even understanding it.

Fast forward four years later, after learning and applying all the different modalities to my own life I could see the change in me. In my personal and spiritual growth and even

in my emotional and physical health.

Last night, as I sat there I could feel the calm in my body, the truthful heartfelt smile of loving life and the awe of really knowing and feeling that peace and love that we all are.

That is the power of personal transformation and true spiritual awareness.

To go through deep personal levels of searching and undoing. In learning how to be

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 3

mindful, how to really be present in that true essence that “I AM”, and in accepting those issues in my life and having the knowledge and courage to transcend them. My teacher, Brian Sheen, spoke to the class of the change he saw in me throughout the years. Said how he had seen me through everything that I lived through in those years, and of how he saw me push forward (crawling at times) but moving forward.

As I listened to him tell “my story” from his perspective, tears of love came to my eyes as I acknowledged in myself my own triumphs. How easily we sometimes forget to validate our own efforts, our own victories and give ourself the credit we really deserve . . . .

That entry was written three years ago. And, I can still feel today the love, peace and spiritual embodiment in which I wrote it. But that last line stood out for me this time. I mean, isn’t it true

“ . . how easily we sometimes forget to validate our own efforts, our own victories and give ourself the credit we really deserve . . . “ ?

It’s so easy for us to admire others when we see it in them, but how true is it for us individually?

Just how frequently do we really get to take a moment and admire what we’ve accomplished so far?

Many of us don’t have the practice of patting ourself on the back, of admiring our own efforts, and of congratulating ourself for doing the best we can with what our life has gifted us with. It’s not a matter of narcissism, but of acknowledgement to ourself.

Acknowledgement . . .

- of what we’ve been through (the good & the bad) - of our triumphs regardless of how big or small they were…

- of our unique gifts and experiences - of our personal and spiritual growth Most important, its an acknowledgement of our own self Love.

Coachable Moment We all struggle, we all have areas in our life that need improvement and I think it’s time that we finally learn that, “Hey, that’s ok”. Life is full of moments and experiences. Some that feel like endless twisters, and others that are total bliss and

peace.

But, want to know what’s the beauty to all this? The beauty is that we have survived it all - the good and the bad - because if not, then we wouldn’t be here right now.

Please understand that coaching, personal transformation, therapy, spiritual practice, etc. are great tools to help us navigate through those twister moments of life. And, they are also great tools to help us love and acknowledge ourselves a little more every day.

My advice: learn to acknowledge your own moments of wins, of victories, of growth and of overcoming. Learn to admire yourself for who you are. Understand that even if you sometimes have to crawl, you keep moving forward, because one day you’ll look back and say “Wow, I really lived through that and I made it.” Learn to give yourself the very well deserved pat on the back. And, learn to do this as an act of self love. Because at the end of it all … that’s all that really matters.

Angie Romero is a Holistic

Practitioner, Life and Wellness Coach for Women and a Marketing & Business Coach for Healers. She is also the Editor & Publisher of Happier Healthier Women and Holistic Houston Magazines.

Recipient of VIP Woman of the Year

by The National Association of Women for 2013 for her service to women worldwide to live Happier and Healthier in all areas of their life. You can follow her through her facebook pages Happier Healthier Women, Life and Wellness Coaching and Holistic Houston.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 4

Bringing Our Holistic Community Together Our magazine is experiencing incredible growth, and it’s thanks to you our readers!

We are out on a mission .... to bring our holistic community together.... and we are well on our way.

Subscribe today at www.HolisticHouston.com to meet our practitioners, and learn of events and workshops happening in our city.

Body-Mind Meditation

By GLENYS YOUNG

Mediation Can Boost Health, Attention and Lower Stress

Meditation has long been promoted as a way to feel more at peace.

But research from a Texas Tech University faculty member shows it can significantly improve attention, working memory, creativity, immune function, emotional regulation, self-control, cognitive and school performance and healthy habits while reducing stress.

Yi-Yuan Tang, the presidential endowed chair in neuroscience and a professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, has developed a novel method of mindfulness meditation called Integrative Body-Mind Training (IBMT).

“Meditation encompasses a family of complex practices that includes mindfulness meditation, mantra meditation, yoga, tai chi and chi gong,” Tang said.

“Of these practices, mindfulness meditation -- often described as nonjudgmental attention to present-moment experiences -has received most attention in neuroscience research over the past two decades.

For example, when we observe our thoughts or emotions in the mind, we are often involved in them.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 6

With IBMT practice, you distance your thoughts or emotions and realize they are not you, then you see the reality in an insightful and different way.

Mindfulness helps you be aware of these mental processes at the present, and you just observe without judgment of these activities.”

IBMT avoids struggles to control thought, relying instead on a state of restful alertness that allows for a high degree of body-mind awareness while receiving instructions from a qualified coach, who provides body-adjustment guidance, mental imagery and other techniques while soothing music plays in the background.

Thought control is achieved gradually through posture, relaxation, body-mind harmony and balance.

“IBMT works by brain (central nervous system) and body (autonomic nervous system) interaction.

IBMT coaches help participants to change both body and mind states to achieve a meditative state; this is why participating in just five 20-minute sessions of IBMT has shown increased attention, relaxation, calmness, body-mind awareness and brain activity,” Tang said.

Tang says the specific parts of the brain most affected by IBMT -- the anterior cingulate cortex and adjacent medial prefrontal cortex -are mainly involved in self-control ability.

“Deficits in self-control have been shown in mental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, addictions, mood disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder,” Tang said.

“Since IBMT could improve self-control effectively, it may help prevent and treat mental disorders. In the education field, since IBMT improves attention, cognitive performance and self-control, it could help those with ADHD or learning difficulties to improve academic performance and school behavior.”

The next step in Tang’s research will be to conduct large-scale longitudinal studies to more fully understand brain-body mechanisms of mindfulness and their applications.

Glenys Young

Source:

Texas Tech University. “Body-

mind meditation can boost attention and health, lower stress.”

ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 July 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2016/07/160718112531.htm>.

“Most participants notice a significant decrease in daily stress, anxiety, depression, anger and fatigue. Additionally, IBMT participants show an overall improvement in emotional and cognitive performance as well as improved social behavior.”

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 7

Worksite Wellness Programs

Are We Experiencing Disconnects?

(Inquiring Minds Want To Know)

By BILL MC PECK Most worksite wellness programs are not making a difference. You do want your program to make a difference donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you?

Possible Disconnect #1: Most worksite wellness programs created today are being created by employers in an attempt to help them control or curb employee healthcare or health insurance costs.

Compare this fact to the results obtained by WELCOA (Wellness Council of America) in a 2013 survey of worksite wellness professionals. The survey of 785 wellness professionals revealed that 504 or 64.2 % of them reported they entered the field of wellness to help others. This compared to 199 or 16.2% who reported they entered the field to help organizations move forward.

So, if the majority of wellness professionals responding to the survey entered the field to help others, but their programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is to move the organization forward by saving or reducing employee healthcare spend, what kind of disconnect might this create?

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 8

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Possible Disconnect #2: Which are we trying to address - health or wellness?

Since the purpose of most wellness programs today is health related cost reduction or savings, the focus of most programs is employee health risk reduction.

Note that while the focus is on physical health, we call what we do worksite wellness.

Is there a difference between health & wellness?

Like other fields, we in the field of worksite wellness throw around a lot of terms or jargon, but how clearly do we define the words or terms we use?

Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being and the environment

For example, consider health and wellness.

Are we clear about what we mean when we use the terms health and wellness?

Are these terms synonymous and therefore interchangeable?

Does it make any difference?

A review of definitions would suggest that maybe the distinction between health and wellness is not particularly clear. Could this be an explanation for why this possible disconnect might exist?

A widely cited definition of health is the World Health Organization’s 1948 definition:

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”

Unfortunately, the WHO does not define or elaborate on what a state of well-being is. According to the National Wellness Institute, “there appears to be general agreement that: 1. Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential 2. Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being

and the environment

3. Wellness is positive and affirming

The definition of wellness long used by the National Wellness Institute is consistent with these tenants.

Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of and make choices towards a more successful existence.”

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 10

Based on these definitions alone, what is the difference between health and wellness? If we are not clear on definitions, what we are trying to accomplish and how we should best do it, might this not be a possible disconnect?

research literature is that the research results are quite clear: incentives (extrinsic motivators) are great for getting customers and participants, but not so good for establishing followers or for employees engaged in maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors long-term.

Possible Disconnect #3:

Loyal followers or engagement is based on a strong emotional connection between the product or service and the target market. Connecting emotionally transforms the customer into a follower - someone who is emotionally connected to the brand.

Emotional connection taps into intrinsic motivators, as opposed to extrinsic motivators. So is your use of incentives creating a possible program disconnect for you?

Are we trying to create customers or loyal followers? Another way to ask this question is: Are we seeking employees to participate or are we seeking employees to engage in wellness?

Some professionals in the field argue that the use of incentives needs to be a core component of a worksite wellness program. I found it very interesting that a recent Towers Watson/ National Business Group on Health survey (2013/2014 Staying @ Work Survey) found that come 2015/2016 61% of the U.S. companies responding to the survey (892 employers in the U.S.) reported they will penalize workers for not completing required health management activities. The same survey found that 71% of the responding U.S. companies will reward or penalize employee tobacco use and 68% will reward or penalize employees for unhealthy biometric screening outcomes in 2015/2016.

So just what does the use of incentives get the employer? My understanding of the incentives

Successful and sustainable worksite wellness and wellbeing programs are properly designed, properly implemented and adequately resourced.

Watch For The Disconnects - Disconnects can derail your worksite wellness program. I invite you to create your effective, successful and sustainable wellness program.

Bill McPeck

is dedicated to helping worksite wellness coordinators create successful, sustainable worksite wellness and well-being programs, especially in small employer settings. He can be contacted at williammcpeck@gmail.com

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God vs Devil Something to Consider Once upon a time, I used to believe in the Devil and Demons.

By FELICIA MARIE GIOUZELIS

This belief actually stems from religion, either this lifetime or another which tells us that if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t behave with moral responsibility, there are consequences by another force.

In other words, we will be judged for our actions and held responsible.

So, if we review it outside of the context of being held responsible for our actions by an all knowing being, then we can easily rise above this energy to understand that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true, moral responsibility is important... but, we must consider this:

Our Source is not judging us.

He never has . . . he never will . . . and it has never happened in the history of the Universe.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 12

So, that means we have to be personally morally responsible because what we are engaging with IS the Law of Karma. The Law of Karma will dictate how we repay our “sins”.

In other words, the Universe’s area of expertise is bringing balance to things.

It does this automatically.

If we do something out of balance, out of alignment, unkind, lacking compassion, etc., the Law of Karma ensures that balance is brought to the situation.

We will ‘attract’ an equal energy back to us. So, it would be great to be very mindful of the energy we are putting out in the Universe.

Now, back to the God and Devil...

If you set an intention like this, “I only want to see the light. I only want to see the truth”. I have a newsflash for you... you will NEVER see low vibe energies again. Ever.

As with anything in the Universe, our beliefs are dictating our perception.

The devil and demons are a complete illusion and fabrication of your mind. Because you believe in them, you see them. If you believe that the only real thing is “Love”, then there is NO space for Devil an Demons.

There’s one reason for this:

God, in his all knowing, all powerful, unconditional loving space in the Universe would NEVER create an equal and opposing force to his own, specifically one that would punish us or harm us in any way whatsoever.

That is in exact opposition to Unconditional Love and the Universe does not contradict itself.

Set in a new intention of what you will and will not see and your entire life will change. You will begin to see the truth and only the truth.

(God is genderless but as I read the energy more masculine, I use the terms HIS or HE).

Felicia Marie Giouzelis

is trained in a variety of complementary techniques including Kinesiology and Quantum Healing Hypnosis Therapy. Felicia is a Master Healer specializing in soul level healing and transformation with the Akashic Records and is deeply connected to Atlantis.

Felicia is currently traveling all throughout Europe while seeing clients and preparing for a healing retreat in Santorini, Greece in September. If you’d like to learn more or join the retreat, visit www.evolveretreats. org/#greece-retreat or learn more about Felicia at www.feliciamarieg.com.

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What is

Natural Healing?

Natural healing is a simple low-tech method of preventing illness and solving health problems.

If you have ever massaged your temples to ease a headache or applied ice to a sprained ankleâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;you have practiced simple natural healing technique.

Experts estimate that herbal remedies have been around for 5000 years.

Ancient Egyptians used fragrant oils and hydrotherapy was practiced in Greece and Rome. Homeopathy is more than 200 years old.

Types of Natural Healing Affirmations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is an upbeat phrase or statement that conveys a desire you want to realize.

The goal of creating and repeating affirmations is to reprogram your mind with positive and constructive thinking.

You can write them on paper and post them where you can see them all the time. You can use them to achieve any goal. The exception is for mental illness such as manic-depressive, which may cause additional problems.

Acupressure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the goal is to balance the flow of energy that travels throughout the body.

This is done by pressing points on the skin called acupoints, which are located along meridians (which are roads to major organs). Acupressure is considered effective for treating problems with soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are times when you should not use acupressure: pregnant women (unless performed by licensed practitioner), not to be administered near a tumor, where there has been a recent injury, sore, skin ulcer, prolapsed or varicose vein, anyone who has had a stroke in the past 30 days. Always use as a supportive therapy not the sole treatment.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 14

Flower Essences – liquid extracts prepared from wildflowers or garden blossoms.

Developed by an English physician Dr. Edward Bach. They are used to calm, stabilize, and energize. It is impossible to take an overdose of flower essences and they don’t cause side effects.

People need to be aware that their emotions may be heightened for several days after starting to use a new essence.

Herbal Therapy – is the use of medicinal plants for health and healing.

Plants contain a variety of compounds that are beneficial to health. In fact, a number of drugs contain compounds that were originally found in plants (foxglove/digitalis). Some herbs taken

in large doses such as Gingko, can cause problems for a person who is on a bloodthinning medication. For maximum safety check with your doctor before taking herbs; especially if you are on medications.

Homeopathy – developed by a German doctor Samuel Hahemann. This system of medicine is based on an ancient principle called the Law of Similiars.

One theory of why it works is that it stimulates the body’s self-healing energy. Always check with your doctor to be sure your condition does not require medical attention. Never treat chronic-serious conditions without medical supervision.

There are other natural healing methods such as: Aromatherapy – use of essential oils that are inhaled or applied to the skin.

Hydrotherapy – water is applied to the body to stimulate and redirect the flow of blood and lymph.

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Magnet Therapy – each cell in your body has an electrical charge that produces a magnetic field. Why it works no one knows for sure. It may be that the magnet affects the positive and negative particles that move in and out of cells.

In summary, more people are adopting the philosophy the body has a natural built-inhealing power. Alternative cures can often help boost this natural healing power. Also, people realize that their thoughts and feelings play a role in health.

The frontier of new medicine will treat thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and values to improve the health of the body. However, people need to be aware of their health problems and not try to treat chronic serious illness with self -treatment.

Source: https://olewreba2.wordpress.com/ezine-articles/ Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 15

Confessions of a Spirit Medium 7 Rookie Lessons

By ERICA ANTONETTI

Every so often, I like to reflect on and review my personal journey. When I do, it’s always interesting to see what concepts I’ve learned or seemed to have forgotten, and what comes up to work on in the future.

I’m usually surprised at how much I seem to grow (or stay stuck on certain issues), but I never fail to realize I’m definitely gathering knowledge and experience in one way or another.

Here is a short list of the most meaningful lessons to date:

1. As you travel this path, you will truly discover what it means to be brave.

Digging deep is a requirement. To be in service to yourself and others, your emotional “stuff” will come up as a natural by-product, so put on your crash helmet and get ready for a wild ride.

Sifting through your emotional baggage is tough work and not for the faint of heart. Like my mentor says: “This work takes crystal balls. Own your words, and actions, and don’t shy away.” Spirit people are depending on you to be a loving voice for them, so take learning your craft seriously enough to want to do a great job.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 16

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Intuitive Art Healing with Valentina Castro For me personally, I love public speaking, but it’s a whole other beast to open yourself enough to trust in the unknown- that where the conversation is going, who you are connecting with, and what messages come forward will truly bring blessings to one and all.

2. Communicating with the “deceased” is

proving consciousness after life to you just as much as it is to your clients and you will never cease to be amazed!

I am still shocked sometimes at the highly specific information that comes from spirit.

Recently, I had a reading where spirit revealed a conversation that occurred almost twenty years ago. The client was able to call home and verify the conversation did indeed take place with the only other person who was involved.

The information gleaned from this conversation led to great healing within the client and she could finally come to some peace about the situation. You could never just make this stuff up!

3. This profession is similar to many

other professions out there as far as education goes.

For a good one, expect to pay for it. Knowledge isn’t cheap these days no matter what profession you choose, but at least we live in a time where the information is openly accessible.

Education is only the beginning, though.

Being willing to expand yourself in ways that go beyond your educational foundation, finding like-minded people to interact with, practicing your skills, and continually looking for new ways to learn and grow will be some of the milestones you face along the way.

4. This profession is also similar in the

fact that there is fraud in every industry known to man, but it is not the industry standard or norm.

Because many religious and government powers throughout the ages have literally been on a “witch hunt”, the common belief is that we are all transient people who tell you frightening news, or we need thousands of Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 17

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dollars to remove casted spells. Please don’t leave your God given common sense at home when seeing a psychic. If it doesn’t feel right to you, then trust your own intuition.

5. Name your weakness here.

You’re going to need (said weakness) in handfuls.

This work is the sacred work of healing. Just because you communicate with the discarnate does not exclude you from growing, healing, and evolving.

Just because you do this work, doesn’t mean you have it all “figured out”. You too are on a quest called life, just like everyone else.

You will surely attract clients who are going through the same things you have or are going through, and this is where trust comes in. You are a vessel for delivering information for the highest good, and the messages shared are often just as much for you as everyone else in the room, that’s the added bonus!

Whether your focus is on assisting people in spirit, or the ones sitting in front of you for a reading, if you are not willing to get out of your comfort zone, look at your “stuff” with an honest mirror, or put in the dedication it takes, then choose to something else instead.

I’m not kidding, this work can be like eating humble pie and then doing spiritual crossfit.

It’s gonna break you down while it builds you back up. What a gift to yourself and the world!

6. People are people.

Even the most spiritual people have normal, everyday issues like bills to pay, egos to get in check, and challenging experiences to overcome and heal from. Sometimes when the kids are fighting, your husband is stuck in traffic and you have laundry piling up, the last thing you want to do is meditate or talk

to Aunt Betty about how her son’s birthday is coming up. Which leads me to the last thing I’ve learned so far from mediumship.

7. It’s not your job to “fix” people.

As mediums, healers, empaths, doctors, social workers, nurses, teachers, psychologists, (name the helping profession of your choice here), it is our natural inclination to want to help others.

However, this can be draining and in some cases, a way for us to deflect what we need to work on in ourselves. It is okay to shut it off and say “now is not a good time”.

In fact, you must do that. You are here to live and experience too, so be normal and take the kids to soccer practice. Many of us are empathetic to others, but that doesn’t mean you are an on-call doormat, or a doormat at all, for that matter.

If this is you, then get a therapist or hypnotherapist that can assist you in establishing better boundaries. It is essential to replenish yourself, give back to yourself, and treat yourself with the loving care you give to others.

Although these lessons are ones I’ve learned personally, I’ve also witnessed colleagues going through similar growing pains. It’s part of the journey, and what a blessed one it is.

Erica Dawn Antonetti

is an internationally recognized psychic medium, mentor, and Amazon #1 BestSelling Author. She is dedicated to empowering people around the globe to connect more deeply with their own inner divine guidance and communicate with their loved ones who have crossed over into spirit. When she is not supporting clients or writing blog articles, Erica is usually singing, learning something new, or having an adventure with her military husband and two active sons. To contact her for a personal reading or speaking engagement, please contact her at: www.ericaantonetti.com Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 19

Top 10 Ways to Help

Your Hair Grow Faster

There are no shortcuts to growing luscious, long locks. On average, hair grows about a half an inch per month.

Your general health, well-being, and genetic factors affect your rate of hair growth.

You can encourage hair growth by maintaining healthy hair through a good diet and proper hair care.

Certain herbs can help make your hair grow faster, too.

1. Eat a Healthy Diet Eating a diet rich in protein and vital vitamins and minerals is an essential prerequisite to healthy hair growth.

Opt for foods high in vitamins A, B, C, and E, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium. Vitamin B-complex, in particular, is extremely important for making your hair grow faster.

So, include a variety of foods like milk, cheese, yogurt, chicken, eggs, whole grains, salmon, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, cabbage, parsley, grapefruit, avocado, brown bread, oats, and alfalfa in your diet to nourish your hair and scalp.

Plus, drink fresh fruit and vegetable juices, such as orange, grapefruit, carrot, beet, and lettuce juice.

Fish, flax seeds, walnuts, beans, winter squash, olive oil, and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also good for hair growth as about 3% of a hair shaft is made up of omega-3 fatty acids.

Avoid nutritional deficiencies because they tend to affect your hair adversely. For example, vitamin E and zinc deficiencies lead to hair thinning and loss.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 20

2. Use Castor Oil Being rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, especially omega-9 fatty acids, castor oil promotes hair growth naturally.

As this oil is quite viscous, mix the castor oil with an equal amount of coconut, olive, or almond oil. Massage your scalp with it and leave it on for 30 to 45 minutes. Then shampoo your hair.

You can also add essential oils, especially rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, or thyme oil, to the castor oil and then put it in your hair.

3. Massage Your Scalp Massaging promotes blood flow to the scalp, which in turn stimulates the hair follicles.

In addition, deep condition your hair once a week with a hot oil treatment or deep conditioning hair mask.

Apply the oil (preferably warm) or conditioner to your hair.

Gently rub your fingers on your scalp in a circular motion for three to five minutes.

Rinse the oil or conditioner out of your hair.

4. Flip Your Hair Upside Down This is one of the most popular tricks to promote faster hair growth. Just flip your hair upside down by flipping your

head over for two to four minutes. Wash it out with cold minutes daily. It is believed to water and then shampoo your work by improving circulation. hair.

- Alternatively, whisk an egg 5. Stay Stress-Free and add one cup of milk, two Stress is one of the most tablespoons of extra-virgin olive important factors that oil, and the juice from half a contribute to hair loss. It lemon to it. Apply it on your is believed that stress can scalp and leave it on for 20 to 30 disrupt the normal hair cycle minutes before washing it out and and trigger hairs to enter the shampooing your hair. telogen or fall-out phase. Thus, when striving for faster hair 7. Infuse Your Hair with growth, minimize the stress in Herbs your life.

Herbs like rosemary, catnip, To manage stress, you can use meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques. Plus, be sure to get your beauty sleep as the growth hormone is released during sleep.

nettle, burdock, horsetail, and sage promote faster hair growth.

Rosemary, in particular, is excellent for hair growth because it stimulates the hair follicles. It also adds luster to your locks.

Furthermore, the polyphenols and anti-inflammatory properties 6. Whip Up an Egg Mask of green tea are also linked to hair Eggs are highly beneficial for growth. Plus, most herbs stimulate faster hair growth because hair growth by improving they are packed with protein circulation. and also contain iron, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, and - Prepare an herbal infusion by selenium. You can use an steeping any of these herbs in hot egg hair mask at least once a water for 10 to 20 minutes. Use it month. as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair.

- Whisk an egg. Mix in four tablespoons of grapeseed oil In addition to encouraging and a few drops of lavender hair growth, it will strengthen oil. Apply it on your hair and your hair and make it soft and scalp and leave it on for half an manageable. hour. Finally, rinse it out and shampoo your hair as usual.

- Drink herbal teas.

- Apply a mixture of two egg - You can also mix herbal infusions yolks and two tablespoons of or essential oils in your shampoo. extra-virgin olive oil on your scalp. Leave it on for 15 to 20 Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 21

8. Take Vitamin and Herbal Supplements

10. Address Medical Problems

In addition to eating a proper diet, you can take supplements like folic acid, biotin, kelp, fish oil, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, saw palmetto, and others to augment hair growth.

Your efforts to boost hair growth will not reap good results if you have underlying problems like a thyroid disorder, hormonal imbalance, chronic illness, or a severe infection.

Folic acid and biotin are B-complex vitamins (vitamin B9 and B7 respectively) that aid faster growth of hair. Before taking any supplements, though, make sure you consult your doctor.

9. Nourish Your Hair with Aloe Vera Aloe vera encourages hair growth and prevents hair loss. It also reduces dandruff and helps restore your hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural sheen.

- Apply fresh aloe vera gel mixed with a little lemon juice and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Shampoo your hair. Do this once every week or two.

- You can also combine aloe vera gel with equal amounts of coconut milk and wheat germ oil and then apply it on your hair.

- Drink aloe vera juice on a regular basis.

Certain medications like birth control pills, beta-blockers, anabolic steroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and others may also contribute to problems such as hair thinning and hair loss.

Seborrheic dermatitis and scalp infections cause issues like itchy scalp and mild hair loss. So, identify any underlying issues contributing to hair problems and address them as soon as possible so they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hamper your hair growth efforts.

Source: www.top10homeremedies.com

In addition to these tips, try some home remedies such as Indian gooseberry or amla oil, fenugreek paste, a mayonnaise hair pack, and other healthy hair ideas. Maintain healthy hair by following a good hair care routine and using hair products that are suitable for your hair type. Plus, protect your tresses from sun damage and avoid the use of heat styling products.

Holistic Houston | August 2016 | 22

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