Shining a Light for You to Live a Life of Love
Fall 2016
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY
on the cover
“Autumn Sparkle” by Kay Hilde, Artist ksshilde@msn.com; www.kayhilde.com; FB: Kay Hilde, Artist; www.kayhilde.usana.com; www.godesana.com/kayhilde; 218-329-2160
Find all issues at issuu.com/projectlightandlove
F e at u r e s
14 Sacral Chakra
16 Crystals for the Sacral Chakra
4 The Enneagram:
A Tool for Transformation
written by Tone-Lise Stenslie
written by Char Jung
written by Char Jung
6 How I Saved My Thyroid
17 Meditation is Not a Destination
8 What Does an Aromatherapist Do?
18 Reiki Saved My Life
10 Upper Cervical Care
20 Acupuncture: Triggering the Body to Heal
12 The Salt Cave Wellness Relaxation Center
22 Spice Up Your Life
written by Marnie Mohr, LR
written by Cathy Breiner, Certified Aromatherapist written by Beth Lundby, DC
written by Agata Zidon
written by Christi Jarland
written by Shawn Cudmore Kremer
written by Lexi Corwin
written by Gail Pederson, SPRN, HN-BC
Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction. ~ Rumi 2
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Welcome to Project Light and Love! Greetings! As I write this, I am enjoying my last week of summer vacation before I head back to work in the schools. It was a wonderful summer spent with my kids and getting to focus on both the Summer and Fall issues of this magazine! Fall brings about changes for many: going back to school, wrapping up the camping or lake life,
and the changing scenery of fall foliage. I’ve noticed this go even a bit deeper and happen before Fall even started. Friends are moving or changing jobs, new programs are being implemented at work, and my church is going through a change of many new faces and ways of doing things. It almost seems like we’ve outgrown the way things used to work. We are shedding what no longer serves a purpose in our life. We’ve realized that we no longer have to do things the same way we did them 10 years ago, last month, or even yesterday. What no longer serves you and your purpose that you need to “shed”? Feel into that. I know this Fall issue of Project Light and Love will help you shine some light on areas where you can develop your true Self! ~ Michelle Lytle
Ways to Get Involved: 1. Write an article regarding a holistic/complementary therapy you provide. 2. Advertise your services in the magazine. 3. Be a distribution point for the magazine.
Michelle Lytle projectlightandlove@gmail.com P.O. Box 374 Jamestown, ND 58402-0374 Graphic and design by Crystal Lytle
Project Light and Love Printing by Image Printing, Bismarck, ND
This magazine contains the opinions and ideas of its contributors. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the magazine. The reader should consult his or her medical, health or other competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions in this magazine or drawing inferences from it. The authors and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this magazine.
Fall 2016
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The Enneagram: A Tool for Transformation By Tone-Lise Stenslie
While living in Fort Collins some 25 years ago I came across the book Enneagram Personalities by Don Riso. I was a busy student at the time and it has taken me years to realize the depth and scope of this human development system. The Enneagram is based on psychology, with roots in Sufi and Christian mysticism. It describes nine personality types, nine distinct ways to view the world. It provides us with an insightful map of different coping strategies we have unknowingly adopted, and makes it easier to find our blind spots and limiting ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. This article will only scratch the surface of the Enneagram system. My hope is to pique your curiosity by providing a short explanation, sharing how it can help you, and providing a list of Enneagram-related resources. If understood and applied, the Enneagram will open up new possibilities for you through an increased understanding of yourself and others. I personally know several couples who credit the Enneagram system for saving their marriage.
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The word Enneagram can be broken down to Ennea, which means nine, and gram refers to graph; a graph of nine different personality types placed in a circle and connected to each other in specific ways. The types are given simplified descriptive labels to make it easier to learn: 1. The Reformer 2. The Helper 3. The Achiever 4. The Individualist 5. The Investigator 6. The Loyalist 7. The Enthusiast 8. The Challenger 9. The Peacemaker These nine types represent different ways to get along in the world based on both inborn temperament (nature), and environmental factors (nurture). One type is not better or worse than another, and with some training you’ll be able to find all nine patterns within yourself. However, one will eventually stand out as your default, or dominant, coping strategy. I still remember the shock, the humility, and eventually the empowerment I felt when I got more clarity around my own type and realized how certain thoughts in my head
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perpetuated my sense of separation. These were stressful stories like, I am not understood, and I don’t belong. This awareness allowed me to connect more easily with others by being more accepting and less judgmental. Instead of expecting or needing people to “get me”, I would challenge myself to understand them instead. You’ll have your own insights, and the Enneagram can point you to the most efficient ways to free yourself from dysfunctional conditioning. An important first step in our healing process is to become aware of our habitual thoughts and feelings. Until we’ve gained more awareness, we unknowingly operate from certain basic assumptions. These become part of our subconscious programming, part of our core motivation. Let’s look at a few examples of type patterns, very simplified. Type 3, The Achiever, may have a hard time feeling OK if he/she is not doing, producing, and succeeding in the world. This is often a multi-talented person who wants to look good in other people’s eyes. Type 8, The Challenger has a coping strategy linked to being strong and independent, and can come across as confrontational. His or her growth path often involves redefining strength to include the courage to be vulnerable. For type 1, The Reformer, it’s important to be good and to do what’s right. He/she often has a strong sense of what needs to change in society, within themself, and/or in others. One relevant growth-path may include a more flexible approach as to how things are done. The mental and emotional habit patterns that create our personality are built around one of nine emotionally charged energies or “passions”: 1. Anger, 2. Pride, 3. Deceit, 4. Envy, 5. Avarice/greed, 6. Fear, 7. Gluttony, 8. Lust, and 9. Sloth/laziness. Each passion is linked to a polar opposite. For example, anger can be transformed to serenity, fear to courage, gluttony to sobriety, and envy to equanimity. In other words, our “shadow” can become the doorway to our strength. Paraphrasing Helen Palmer, these are all points of suffering crying out for transformation. We all experience emotions like anger, fear, worry, sadness, and grief. It’s a natural part of being human. What the Enneagram encourages us to do is to find our main “passion”, which can be quite hidden to our conscious mind. With practice, we can learn to process our upsetting emotions in a healthy way. Rather than numbing, denying, acting out, and/or projecting and blaming others when we’re frustrated, we can learn to pause, to more neutrally observe, and then be able to respond much more effectively. This is transformative work that can be facilitated by learning about the Enneagram. Don’t expect to find yourself perfectly described. There is no one exactly like you, as we’re all originals. Yet, through learning about the Enneagram you will eventually find your dominant pattern. This will provide you with the most fertile material for growth. Furthermore, there are lots of factors influencing your personality, including your parents’ type and the culture you grew up in. I have a lot of my father’s “positive outlook” strategy in me. In addition, my temperament has been shaped by the more stoic Norwegian culture, even though my family points out that I can be a bit dramatic at times. By the way, you know you’ve done healFall 2016
ing work when you can smile rather than become reactive or defensive. Often it takes a while to get to that point, so be patient. The first step is simply to notice. The Enneagram is “liberation psychology” as Dr. David Daniels puts it. The purpose is not to stick a label on you or put you in a box. Rather, the purpose it to help you see how you are currently imprisoned by your own conditioning, and give you the key to free yourself. Warmly, Tone-Lise PS. If you are interested in a personal mentor or an Enneagram workshop, please contact my wonderful mentor and friend Mary Kay Vetter via her e-mail: mkvetter@ bis.midco.net. She is a spiritual director and Enneagram teacher, located in Bismarck. Tone-Lise Stenslie, Advanced Certified BodyTalk practitioner. Owner of InJoy BodyTalk, located at Dakota Natural Health Center, Bismarck. Phone: 701-258-9418 www.bodytalkforyou.com Resources: Free Sample Test on InJoy BodyTalk’s website: http://bodytalkforyou.com/enneagram www.enneagraminstitute.com A spiritual approach with good descriptions of each type, including helpful suggestions. www.thechangeworks.com A practical, more secular approach, emphasizing change. www.beatricechestnut.com Provides a great descriptions of all the subtypes based on instinctual preferences. www.drdaviddaniels.com A psychiatrist with great insight. He also has an online paragraph test to make it easier to find your type. The cost is $10. You can get the test by buying his short and readable book The Essential Enneagram. www.helenpalmer.com A psychologist with a strong focus on developing your inner observer. www.mariosikorahome.blogspot.com Using the Enneagram in an organizational setting to facilitate change. Books: Enneagram Made Easy by Elizabeth Wagner. An easy and short introduction with funny, but also quite stereotypical cartoons. The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Riso and Russ Hudson. Full of spiritual wisdom and an emphasis on the nine different levels of health within each type. The Complete Enneagram by Beatrice Chestnut. A comprehensive book, with great explanations of the three subtypes, thus looking at 27 subtypes. Very insightful, quite dense, and small font size. DVD: The Enneagram as a tool for your Spiritual Journey, with Russ Hudson and Father Richard Rohr. Beautifully done with a spiritual emphasis. Four discs and nine hours. Can enrich any spiritual path.
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How I Saved My Thyroid By Marnie Mohr, Licensed Reflexologist
When I was diagnosed more than 10 years ago with an underactive thyroid, other than taking medication prescribed by my doctor, I truly thought there was nothing else to be done. Then a doctor visit came where I was told that maybe it would be a good idea to remove my thyroid because of a growing lump on the thyroid gland. I had been a Reflexologist for seven years when I got this news. I knew immediately that I wanted to do everything in my power to keep from having to remove my thyroid surgically. I was told of Dr. Raymond Larson in Jamestown by a client who was seeing him for her thyroid disorder. Now I was familiar with Dr. Larson because he was our family eye doctor for a long time, but I had no idea he had started to deal with patients who are struggling with thyroid disorder. So off to Dr. Larson I went. One of the first things he told me was that if I was willing to change some of my lifestyle habits he thought avoiding surgery was possible. So where to start?? He told me that he recommended that I give up gluten. He explained that gluten made my thyroid work harder and also made the medication I was on less effective. I was surprised by this because after dealing with this condition for more than ten years no one in the medical field up to this point ever mentioned a diet change to help me with this. He also had me take a number of supplements he thought would help, and also a list of blood work I needed to get, along with a saliva test and urine test. When I first tried to give up gluten it was HARD!! Gluten is in so many things that all I could see was everything I was giving up. At one point I even thought maybe the surgery was the way to go?? NO BREAD, NO PASTA, and that was just the start of it. Dr. Larson explained best when I told him I was trying to give it up…“You’re either on gluten, or you’re off gluten, there is no in between!” So now I was determined that I would give it up completely. That’s when, thankfully, I remembered a party that I went to where the hostess was selling food products called WILDTREE. I had remembered that they were made with organic ingredients, and a number of those products were also gluten-free. The problem was that there was no longer anyone in Jamestown who sold WILDTREE. I was able to track down a representative 6
who was from Minot, and after a short talk I was a WILDTREE representative. I told her up front that with my Reflexology Business I would not have time to have WILDTREE parties, which is the traditional way most people who sign up sell WILDTREE products, but I am happy to let any of my clients look through the catalog, and I will order them anything they would like. My experience with the WILDTREE Company has been GREAT!! Their products are simple, healthy, and natural. Also, the food is so easy to prepare. Everything is marked USDA Organic, or certified gluten-free, or certified dairyfree. When trying to give up gluten I never knew that so many spices and food mixes have gluten added to them. But with WILDTREE, I can make delicious food for my family without having to feel like they are giving up the flavor of our favorite dishes. We love the Ranchers Steak Rub; we use it on meat, but also on grilled veggies and salad. The Taco seasoning is gluten-free and is awesome. We love the Sloppy Joe Blend, the Alfredo Extraordinaire, the Sweet Onion Dressing, the Creamy Ranch Dressing Mix, and all the grapeseed oils: basil pesto, butter, and hickory smoke grapeseed oils. One of the favorites in my life before giving up gluten was taco Doritos, well they aren’t gluten free. But now I can spray some gluten-free corn chips with Natural grapeseed oil and sprinkle on the Taco seasoning, the Cajun seasoning, or the Adobo seasoning and I feel like I have a delicious choice of chips like everyone else. The best news is that I still have my thyroid gland, and in a years’ time without dieting (just giving up gluten) I have lost 22 pounds. And the shocker to me was now that I have been gluten free, all my seasonal allergies have gone away. And in the old days I had to take allergy pills every day. WILDTREE has been a godsend that has helped me in more ways than just great and tasty food; it has helped me be a person who now feels healthy, gluten-free, and loving it!! ~ Marnie Mohr LR A Sole’s Journey Reflexology and WILDTREE Rep. 701-252-3711
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Fall 2016
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What Does an Aromatherapist Do? By Cathy Breiner, Certified Aromatherapist
Over the past ten years, essential oils have gained in popularity. Most people have now at least heard about essential oils even if they haven’t had experience with them. If you are not familiar with essential oils, let’s take a quick moment to define what essential oils are. Essential oils are produced in many, but not all, plants in specialized secretory cells. Plants may use essential oils to attract pollinators or defend against predators, among other things. Essential oils are extracted from plants in a variety of ways including steam distillation, cold pressing, solvent extraction, and CO2 extraction. They are made up of various chemical compounds that give them their therapeutic benefits as well as safety concerns. They are volatile, meaning they disperse quickly through the air and are not actually “oily.” Many people, however, are not aware that there are trained professionals whose wellness practices center on the use of essential oils and other aromatic substances. These professionals are called Aromatherapists. Let’s take a closer look at what an Aromatherapist does. To understand what an Aromatherapist does, it helps to define aromatherapy. One definition I like comes from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), “Aromatherapy, also referred to as Essential Oil therapy, can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit. It seeks to unify physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to enhance an individual’s innate healing process.” So the job of an Aromatherapist is to use aromatic essences from plants to treat their clients using a holistic approach. A holistic approach means treating the client as a whole person, which includes their physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual aspects. By using this approach the Aromatherapist can help the client unblock barriers to healing; thus allowing the client’s body to heal itself. What tools does an Aromatherapist use? We know essential oils are used, but there are more tools in the Aro8
matherapist’s toolbox. Hydrosols are often used, especially with children. Hydrosols, also known as hydrolats, are a co-product produced during the distillation process used to obtain many essential oils. They are a water and contain the hydrophilic or “water loving” aromatic molecules from the plant. Other important tools Aromatherapists use are carrier oils, butters, and waxes. For most applications, essential oils are best diluted before applied to the skin (there are certainly times when undiluted use makes sense, but needs to be done in a careful manner). Examples include jojoba, argan oil, arnica infused olive oil, shea butter, kombo butter, and beeswax. These oils, butters, and waxes have their own therapeutic properties which combine with essential oils to create amazing synergies. Depending on the individual Aromatherapist’s training, some may also use herbs, flower essences, and homeopathic remedies. What kind of training is required to become an Aromatherapist? Let me first say that no state currently has licensing or certification requirements for Aromatherapists. Therefore, anyone can call themselves an Aromatherapist or even a Certified Aromatherapist regardless of whether or not they have received training and despite the quality of training received. However, there are national and international aromatherapy organizations that have developed educational standards. In the United States, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) are the organizations that have set such standards. Typically, an Aromatherapist will have a minimum of 200 hours of training (or credible direct experience). My own training began with the Aromahead Institute and their 235-hour Aromatherapy Certification Program and later their 125-hour Advanced Graduate Program. After the completion of two additional classes through the Aromahead Institute, I will have completed their 400-hour Scholar’s Program. In addition, I am currently finishing up the French Aromatherapy certification course through The School for Aromatic Studies. Other classes I am currently
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enrolled in include the Art of Botanical Perfume, Hydrosol Explorations, and Rosemary Gladstar’s the Science and Art of Herbalism, not to mention numerous continuing education opportunities. In addition, I have completed Reiki Level II and life coach training and am doing additional studies in both of these areas. You will find that each Aromatherapist has a different training background and skill set, though most have a similar foundation. Many are also licensed bodywork practitioners, some are nurses, and there are even a few medical doctors who are also trained as Aromatherapists. If you decide to work with an Aromatherapist, what will that process look like? I will explain my aromatherapy consultation process. While you may find differences among Aromatherapists, most will have a similar process. First, new aromatherapy clients are given an intake form to complete. This comprehensive form asks for details on the issue they are seeking help with, information on their lifestyle (diet, exercise, etc.), medications/supplements they are taking, their health history, health goals and information on scent preferences. Next, the client and I meet (or talk via phone if the client doesn’t live nearby). During this meeting, I get more details on the client’s current issue(s) and their health history. We often talk about stressors in their life and any past trauma they may have experienced. This part of the process generally takes about an hour to an hour and a half. After we meet, I review the intake form and my notes and determine what kinds of aromatherapy products might work best for the client. Examples of products include inhalers, massage/body oils, creams, hydrosol sprays, body butters, bath salts, capsules, suppositories, pessaries, syrups, etc. (note: not all Aromatherapists have training in the internal use of essential oils. Those that don’t won’t use this method with their clients. My training has included this method, so I do use it when it makes sense for the client). In determining what kinds of aromatherapy products to make, I take into consideration the client’s physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual needs. For example, a blend to help with lower back pain won’t only include ingredients to help with the pain, but also ingredients to help balance the client mentally/emotionally and spiritually. In this way, aromatherapy can help the client get at the deeper causes of their pain. When the products are ready for the client, we meet again briefly so I can go over usage instructions and discuss why the ingredients were chosen. The client is given a Client Plan that outlines the usage instructions, ingredients, and also gives other suggestions. Other suggestions might include suggested dietary changes, suggested lifestyle changes, or other practitioners the client might benefit from. Lastly, I follow up with the client. If an issue is acute (i.e. a cold), I will usually follow up in 24-48 hours to see how the client is doing with the aromatherapy product(s). For most other issues, I follow up in about a week. I usually do another follow up in about 3-4 weeks. Sometimes products need to be reformulated if they don’t seem to be getting the desired results. What kinds of issues do Aromatherapists work with? The Fall 2016
top issues I have worked with in my practice include hormonal imbalances, anxiety/depression, and pain. There are many other issues that aromatherapy can help with. Some of these include respiratory issues such as colds, flu, asthma, allergies; skin issues such as eczema, acne, and dermatitis; and mental/emotional issues such as stress, insomnia, and deep emotional wounds. Sometimes aromatherapy is effective by itself, while other times it is an excellent complement to another modality. And some issues need more time to heal than others. Aromatherapy is an amazing healing modality whether used by itself or in conjunction with another healing practice such as massage, energy work, or herbal medicine. I hope that you have been inspired to learn more about aromatherapy and the healing power of plants. A good place to begin learning is the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy website at www.naha.org. Cathy Breiner is a Certified Aromatherapist and owner of Prairie Zen Botanicals. She offers aromatherapy consultations, Reiki, guided meditation, life coaching, and classes. She has an aromatherapy product line that will soon be available in local stores. Find out more at www.prairiezenbotanicals.com.
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Upper Cervical Care By Dr. Beth Lundby
Ever wonder if that little bump on the head as a kid affected you more than you realized? What about that “tiny” fender bender where you thought, “there isn’t a scratch on me or the car. I’m fine!”. Did you ever have a sports injury or concussion? These little injuries may impact your life weeks, months and even years after the fact causing symptoms you thought you “just woke up with”. Think of a cavity that has been decaying for months before the pain starts. It’s similar to the decay of your spine after an injury. Your body is made to adapt and is so powerful at doing so that it can take months or sometimes years for symptoms to appear from an injury. That’s where Upper Cervical care comes into play… 10
Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic care focuses on the upper cervical spine or the upper neck. The top two bones in the neck are shaped different than any other bones in the rest of the spine. Neither C1 (atlas, or the top neck bone that holds the head up) or C2 (axis, or the second bone in the neck) have locking mechanisms in the joints making them a much more mobile joint, but also much more prone to injury. Sitting between these top two neck bones is the brainstem or the “Houston control center” that is in control of walking, eating, breathing, resting, digesting etc. It is the life force of the body. Any type of injury throughout our lives can cause the top one or two neck bones to misalign and put pressure on the brainstem. This includes: a birth trauma, fall as a child, fall out of a tree, bicycle injury, work injury, sports injury, and car accident (even a fender bender as low as 7 mph can cause a whiplash injury in the neck). When this occurs, and pressure is put on the brainstem, the messages from the brain to the rest of the body will not get through. This can cause problems anywhere in the body as the brain stem is the control center. As the skull sits directly on top of the top neck bone, it has to go wherever the atlas goes. So if there is an injury that causes the neck bone to move out of place, the head moves with it, thereby making the brain unlevel. The brain isn’t able to function like this, so the rest of the spine compensates. It will pull up a shoulder and a hip creating a ‘short leg’. The body compensates in order to get the brain level again. This is why pressure at the brainstem can cause headaches, neck pain, shooting pain down the arms, mid back pain, low back pain, hip, knee, even foot pain. However, 90% of the brainstem is responsible for function and not pain. So many other problems can be due to a pressure at the brainstem. This includes, but is not limited to: dizziness, indigestion, fatigue, depression, ringing in the ears, high blood pressure, respiratory issues, brain fog, memory loss, etc. By using a very specific, precise, light force adjustment to the upper neck, we can take that pressure off the brainstem and allow the body to literally heal itself. One of our goals in Upper Cervical care is to get the patient to ‘hold’ their adjustment. Because it isn’t the adjustment that helps the patient to heal but it is the patient’s ability to ‘hold’ that adjustment that helps them to heal. To schedule an appointment or to find out more about how Upper Cervical care could help you, contact us at: 701-751-4848 Upper Cervical Health Centers 1830 East Century Avenue Suite 7 Bismarck, ND 58503
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Dr. Beth Lundby grew up in East Grand Forks, MN. From a young age, she suffered from severe headaches and after many different medical approaches, including medications and a CT scan to rule out a brain tumor, her family chose a more natural approach by using massage therapy and chiropractic care. It was then that her interest in natural healthcare was sparked. After graduating from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, she was accepted to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA. It was there she was introduced to the wonderful world of upper cervical chiropractic care and it changed her life. She knew this was what she was meant to do. With her husband, they set out for Washington state so she could study the Blair technique even further. The results that patients receive with this care still amaze her. She is excited to be in the Midwest to continue to spread the word about upper cervical chiropractic care and share her passion for this unique form of healthcare.
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Further information can be found at: -www.blairchiropractic.com -www.uppercervicalbismarck.com (Click on ‘my misalignment’ and state that you are a ‘visitor’ and it will take you to an animated view of the spine and upper neck) -And most recently, Dr. Scott Rosa (an Upper Cervical chiropractor in the New York area) was featured on ESPN’s program 30 for 30 which aired on Thursday, February 4th, 2016. The program highlighted the 1985 Chicago Bears NFL team and quarterback Jim MacMahon- a current patient of Dr. Rosa. After several concussion injuries throughout the years and suffering from memory loss, brain fog and depression, MacMahon has had great success under Dr. Rosa’s care.
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The Salt Cave Wellness Relaxation Center By Agata Zidon
I moved to Bismarck, ND from Wroclaw, Poland in 2011. My educational background is a Master’s degree in Company Management and Marketing, my professional background is in the aviation field, so I wanted to find a job in something I had known for many years. It turned out to be practically impossible then. I didn’t want to be a housewife because it was not me, I needed contact with people and wanted to be a part of the life of Bismarck. I wanted something that Bismarck didn’t have; I wanted to bring something to the people of North Dakota that would be unique, one of a kind. Long hours of research and study brought me to the idea of a spa. Then, it had to be a place that differed from any other spa in town. What could make it different? One day I got enlightened – salt cave! That was it!! I was familiar with the salt cave idea, I had been to several and I always enjoyed the sessions…and North Dakota didn’t have one. The ocean was quite far away. I just needed to put all the pieces together, work hard to accomplish my project, and after nearly six months we welcomed our first customers! People would come intrigued by the name, most of them not realizing what a salt cave was all about, and they wanted to try it out. What is a salt cave? Our cave is about 350 square feet. It is a man-made room that resembles a natural cave. It has a microclimate similar to the one by a waterfall or sea, with about six tons 12
of Himalayan salt in it. During a 45 minute session in our dimly lit cave, you will recline in zero gravity chairs, listen to nature sounds in the background, and just let the calming atmosphere relax you after a tough day. Its magical interior has a soothing effect on your body and soul. You can isolate yourself from hectic life and tension. Salt cave therapy is called halotherapy, and is recognized as a safe and effective wellness practice for preventive and restorative health care. It is not a medical treatment, not a substitute of medication, just an addition. Originally from Eastern Europe, salt miners thrived on good health, didn’t suffer from any respiratory issues like coal miners did, and their skin looked younger. They found out salt was the reason for all the good! It helps with respiratory problems, allergies, gives asthma relief, protects from chronic colds, improves the look of the skin, and it is beneficial with psoriasis and eczema. There are no side effects from having a session in the salt cave; it is safe for infants, pregnant women and the elderly. Can spending time at the seaside be harmful for anyone? One session is said to be equal to three days spent at the coast. You can breathe sea air without going to resorts, any time of the day and year. Within a reach. You breathe in relaxation, breathe out tension. Now, some may say, ‘salt is said to be very unhealthy’
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and I will say “yes”, processed salt is unhealthy and ingesting a lot of salt may cause health problems, but in the salt cave you inhale invisible salt particles. Ingested and inhaled salt is processed differently by our bodies. Salt itself has been used for many years to treat mainly respiratory problems, but it is also anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal. Many of us remember when our mothers or grandmothers would have us gargle our sore throats with salty water to help them heal. Someone would ask: why Himalayan salt? Because it is regarded as the king of salt – with no impurities. It was formed millions of years ago, when the air was free from any pollutants. Now we can use Himalayan salt in the form of a lamp. They actually have become very popular recently because they are considered the world’s best natural ionizers and air purifiers. Surrounded by electronic devices and HVAC systems, we are exposed to positive ions production. There are so many of them that our air is out of balance. To help restore the balance, we need a negative ion producer. Himalayan salt lamps produce negative ions. Ionizing a room decreases the amount of dust, mildew in the air, thus also bacteria in the air (since many of the pollutants found in the air reside on floating dust particles). This way, allergies, breathing problems, as well as sleep disorders and headaches, are alleviated. The glow the lamps give off makes a nice calming atmosphere and anions (negatively charged ions) are good for
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mental wellbeing, increase your energy levels, and reduce stress. It has been over two years since we opened our doors at the Salt Cave Wellness and Relaxation Center. We know that there are still many people that do not know about us and we need to educate them about salt therapy. I have noticed holistic approaches are becoming more popular. More people are looking for natural solutions that improve their quality of life. The world is heading forward fast, the life we live is filled with stressful situations, we do not have time to sit back and relax because we feel we have to run to accomplish our new goals. We seem to not be able to find time to just unwind. 45 minutes taken from your schedule may not seem like much, but it is enough to take care of your body by visiting our salt cave. ~ Agata Zidon (Owner/president of Salt Cave Wellness Relaxation Center) Salt Cave Wellness Relaxation Center 1001 W. Interstate Ave, Suite 120 Bismarck, ND 58503 Phone: 701-751-SALT Website: saltcavend.com
“Salt cave therapy is called halotherapy, and is recognized as a safe and effective wellness practice for preventative and restorative health care.” ~ Agata Zidon
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Sacral Chakra By Char Jung
In the Premiere Issue of Project Light and Love, the article “Mastery of Life Through the Chakras” covered an overview of the seven main Chakras. In the Issue 3 Summer Edition we covered the Root Chakra in more detail. You can find both articles in the online magazines at https://issuu. com/projectlightandlove/docs. In this article we go more in depth with the Sacral Chakra….but first, a quick recap of what a Chakra is. Chakras are pulsating energy centers that are located at every joint in the body, as well as the seven major Chakras which are located from the top of the head to the tip of the tailbone. The seven main Chakras are filters for the physical body and are directly correlated with the organs of the body. Chakras filter energy from the outside of the body to the inside of the body. Think of the filters in vehicles, clothes dryers, air-conditioners, ventilation systems, etc. All of these filters “catch” items that do not support the system. When the filters are dirty and filled with debris, the car, dryer or cooling system does not work properly. This is exactly how the Chakras work for the physical body. Although, what the Chakras “catch” is the low vibration thoughts, beliefs, and experiences that do not support the system of the body. This is a tad bit more difficult to see than the dirt in equipment filters, but a person can feel it. If you are tired, scattered and sick all the time your Chakras are in need of a cleaning. The Major Chakras have an energy tone that resonates with specific music notes and color. Please see the drawing. Notice the darker, low vibration colors are located closest to Earth. As you move up the body, towards the “Heavens”, the colors move to a higher vibration. Much like a spiritual journey or mastery of life…when we are BE-ing in the Love, we have a higher vibration of energy/life force. Let’s Dive into the Energy of the Sacral Chakra… The Sacral Chakra is located just below your navel area and right above your hip bones, which includes the lower 14
back and waist. This area is not very big in size, but there is a great deal that goes on here. Physically, the Sacral Chakra is associated with the sexual organs, sacrum and lower abdomen. When we look at these physical areas from the Bigger Picture perspective we can then see why this Chakra has a great deal going on for such a small area. Let’s take a look at the Bigger Picture. What do the sexual organs, sacrum and lower abdomen all have in common? A relationship. The sexual organs are about creativity and relating to others. This doesn’t always mean relating sexually. It means the energy/habits/patterns of relating to people. Any person we meet outside of our tribe/family will originate in the Sacral Chakra. And, eventually how we relate to our tribe/family will also happen in this area. This happens at different ages for people. For some, the relationship with their tribe/family never leaves the Root Chakra… “this is how we have always done it” is a Root Chakra tribe/ family statement. The sacrum is the foundation of a relationship with You. How you support You and how you relate to that support. The lower abdomen is all about Your energy/power. How you relate to that power that resides in You. So the main question for the Sacral Chakra is...are you going with the flow of the relationship or trying to control it? Before you answer that question, let’s look at the characteristics of the Sacral Chakra. The key words for the Sacral Chakra are water, movement, flow, create, connection, emotions, relationship. So, if there is too much water/movement/emotions in the area of this Chakra, then a person will: * Act out sexually or have a sex addiction * A pleasure addiction (food, shopping, anything you have to have is an addiction) * They will have poor boundaries
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* Will be ruled by their emotions * Will be hypersensitive * Co-dependent If there is too little water/movement/emotions in this area than a person will be: * Rigid in body and in attitudes * Will have a fear of sex * Will have poor social skills * Fears change * Lack of desire/passion/excitement * Will deny themselves any sort of pleasure When the Sacral Chakra is out of balance the physical dis-ease or disorder will show up in the reproductive organs, spleen, urinary system, menstrual difficulties, low back pain and/or a lack of flexibility in the body. Events/traumas/abuses for this Chakra may show up from sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, denial of childhood feelings (ex: “don’t be afraid” or “that’s not how you really feel” or “stop crying, don’t act like that”), manipulation, excessive use of a playpen or some other sort of restriction of normal movement, alcoholic families, and parents who have not resolved issues around sexuality or incest. All of those examples are a way of relating to another person. Now be it, not a very positive and uplifting way of relating, but none the less, a relationship is occurring. These types of “relationships” are based on fear. So from the Bigger Picture view, if you were treated poorly, there is a really good chance that you will continue to have the same relationship with your Self and others. A person can only treat their Self the same way that their parents/ caretakers treated them. Only after conscious effort can a person break the cycle...and the first step is awareness and allowing your Self to feel the emotions, which includes fear. Tools to Help Balance the Sacral Chakra: A balanced Sacral Chakra will show up as graceful movements, emotional intelligence, ability to experience pleasure, is able to nurture Self and others, has healthy boundaries and welcomes change. If you noticed you have experienced some characteristics from the too much or too little lists above try one or more of these suggestions to bring the body and emotions back into balance: * Taking Sea Salt baths or swimming in the ocean * Visualizing a bright, vibrant healing color of orange filling the waist, lower abs and lower back areas. * Eat orange foods * Color in Coloring books * Create arts, crafts or paintings * Dance * Practice yoga or stretching * Walking fast, jogging or running * Inhale an essential oil of Grapefruit, Orange, Ginger, Jasmine or Rose * Carry throughout the day, or hold during meditation and prayers, any crystal or rock that is orange in color. Fall 2016
Examples are Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Amber or Tiger’s Eye. * 12-step programs for addictions * Emotional coaching to release stuck/block emotions, inner child work and boundary work. The lessons from the Sacral Chakra at its core is how well do we relate to our Self and are we “moving” forward… aka, onwards and upwards? The easy distraction of not moving forward is being “stuck” in the same ol’ story that is usually based around a relationship with another person. The story will never heal us…going into the sensation of the story is what heals. And feeling the emotion is what heals and gets the “water flowing” again within the Sacral Chakra and the body. This Chakra is the starting point of where you stand in your energy/power...remember the statement about the lower abdomen from above?: The lower abdomen is all about Your energy/power. How you relate to that power that resides in You. Please place your hands directly below your navel…this is You…are You in there? Are You in balance, flowing and creating easily and effortlessly like a gentle stream? Or like a huge ocean all over the place? Or a dried up pond? How we relate to another person starts with how we relate to our Self and the power that is inside...turn your attention inwards...how do you really feel about You? This is where change happens in the world. It happens in the Sacral Chakra...Right where your hands are sitting. When a person can Love them Self, with zero judgments about the Self, then a person is able to look at another and Truthfully Love them. And that’s how Shift Happens in the world...when we are at peace with our Self and LOVE our Self…and it all starts in the Sacral Chakra. So choose to let go of the stories, dramas of the world, and distractions that keep your attention busy and turn your focus inwards. In the next article we will learn to master the energy of the Solar Plexus. Char Jung is the owner of Doorways To….. located in Jamestown, ND. She is also a Spiritual Mentor and teacher and has studied with Anodea Judith, the author of “Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System”. She also holds certifications and teaches the following classes: Chakradance ®, all Levels of Reiki, Essential Oils, Crystal Chakra Classes, she is a Soul Coach® and a Licensed Facilitator of The Desire Map and is a Teacher of Aroma Yoga®. Contact Char at charjung11@ gmail.com and additional information on Char and classes can be found at http://charjung.com
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Crystals for the Sacral Chakra By Char Jung
The Sacral Chakra is one of the most challenging Chakras because it is where you learn how to leave the tribe/family energy of the Root Chakra and stand up for You. Standing up for You in a balanced, easy, flowing energy with healthy boundaries while learning how to relate with others and not lose your identity or power. All while nurturing your Self first and others second... which is difficult if you were never nurtured when you were a small child. And then add that society has conditioned us that it is better to do for others first. Well, like electronics, updates in the “system” is necessary. It’s time to update your beLIEfs and stand in your space of your body. This is your own place. How are you doing/being in your own place? Which statements are true for you? 1) I feel as if I have no energy. 2) I experience stiffness in my joints, especially lower back. 3) I experience physical issues in the reproductive glands, such as PMS, difficulty in conceiving, prostate problems, etc. 4) I find it hard to trust people. 5) I stuff or cover up feelings either with work, play, alcohol, drugs, smoking, talking, shopping, eating, exercising, watching TV, on Social Media, etc. What is true physically is also true emotionally. Some crystals that can help get you moving physically and emotionally are: Ruby: This is the most powerful of the red stones for passion and excitement in your life. Ruby in Zoisite: A PERFECT Sacral Chakra crystal because of its ability to bring union to the opposites. The green color of Zoisite cools and grounds the fiery passion of Ruby. Garnet: Clears the flow for creativity. Revs up relationships. Carnelian: Helps us to be here now. It assists one with making choices based on the present moment, not the past or future. Tiger’s Eye: Assists with confidence, creativity and protection while keeping an “eye” on the intention/wish/goal/prize. It is a “Focus on what you do want” crystal. Orange Calcite: A highly energizing stone. It also can help balance the emotions. Red Jasper: A very ground and nurturing stone. For those 16
not wanting changes to happen fast. These are only a few of the crystals out of many that will help bring flow and balance back into the Sacral Chakra. Simply carry one or two that you feel drawn to. You can also meditate with them by placing the crystals near your navel for 15-20 minutes. And with everything, intention is 90%+, so write down or state out loud what you would like to bring healing, flow, and balance to in your physical body, emotions, and life. Rock on! Char Jung is the owner of Doorways To….. located in Jamestown, ND. She is also a Spiritual Mentor and teacher that will help you manifest your dreams. Contact Char at charjung11@gmail.com Additional information on Char and classes can be found at http://charjung.com
Project Light and Love
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Meditation Is Not a Destination By Christi Jarland
You don’t have to look very far to find an article touting the benefits of meditation. Its effects are wide ranging, touching all areas of wellbeing. Improved cognitive skills, boosted immunity, heart health and related physical markers as well as increased emotional wellness are only a few of the many areas of life it can enhance. While these effects are desirable, I worry that they begin to turn meditation into a chore to check off a list only to attain a particular benefit. It reminds me of the way yoga can be turned into a fitness technique; stripped of the depth and breadth of the practice, which creates a potent environment to work with our mind, body and spirit. Why do we practice? We come into the stillness of meditation in order to become comfortable in the quietude and awareness necessary to connect to our deepness when times are relatively on an even keel. With this foundation, when life becomes difficult, we have already built the ability to keep connected to our inner stillness and wisdom. While meditation is the practice of stillness, it is not done to fix what might be painful, to cajole our busy minds, or to gloss over our shadow tendencies. It is to be still enough to see what’s really there. Once we are quiet enough, we begin to notice what’s happening in our body, where our thoughts tend to spool out, or what’s going on in our heart. True stillness then means we are able to remain steadfast, to witness without retreat, even when what’s revealed is less than comfortable. Think of it this way. If a beloved friend revealed an inconvenient or upsetting truth, would you avert your gaze, pretend they hadn’t said it and quickly change the subject? If they were to share a difficulty, would you jump immediately to solutions, before they were able to truly have time to feel and be heard? This is often what we do to ourselves. It may even be what we do with friends and family at times, because we’re not comfortable with stillness and space around deep witnessing. As in Pema Chodron’s quote, we sit in meditation so that we may befriend ourselves, just as we are. We find a way Fall 2016
to be with ourselves that is similar to being able to spend time in the company of a good friend, without having to dispel awkwardness via incessant chitchat. I could include here a bullet list of ways to get started, or techniques to go deeper in your practice. However, techniques can be found by the dozens in a quick web search. There’s no particular best or right way. What I’d like this article to spark for you is a desire to bring simplicity and an open heart to whatever form of meditation you choose. Really, the simpler the better, especially if you’ve just started exploring meditation. So decide to take a comfortable seat. Notice your breathing, without needing to change it. Feel your feet resting on the floor. Check in with your body and see if you can find it a bit softer, allowing it to yield to the support of your chair or cushion, the floor, the foundation of the your building, the earth beneath it all. After that, merely endeavor to be still of body and fluid of mind. Be still long enough to drop into your deepness, slipping beneath the busy everyday thoughts, allowing your truth to become clear. Be willing to hear it all, as you would with your closest friend. Hi there, I’m Christi. I’m a mentor to women ready to release what feels stuck and live a life that feels good. Sometimes that looks like formal reiki and/ or crystal healing. Other times those things and more show up freeform while we work in symbolism and metaphor and heartfelt conversation. All that really means is I help you to reduce tension, relax and remember how to tap into what you already know. Because being open to navigate life as your best self is good for the whole planet. cj@figureitoutwithcj.com 701-269-5783
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Reiki Saved My Life By Shawn Cudmore
I wish I could Reiki is a nathave written ural way of when I was at healing your my worst to get body, mind, my emotions and spirit with out. I couldn’t gentle touch eat, sleep or no touch at or leave my all. It began to house. I cried heal me from constantly. I the inside out. was unable to I learned reiki, work. I didn’t am a reiki want to talk to practitioner or see anyone. and also do Some may self-reiki on a have called daily basis. I this a nervous started to feel. breakdown. I could even The doctors laugh on occalled it post casion. I was traumatic leaving the stress disorhouse more der, depresoften. I was sion, and anxipraying again ety disorder and asking for with agoraphohelp and guidbia. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. I was so ance. My spirit was starting to feel whole again. I felt as angry with myself for “getting sick.” In some ways I believed though I was finally healing. I deserved to be sick. I didn’t know what to do. Through my reiki practice I continue to learn and feel I had a healthy support system. I was in therapy and things through others. I continue to heal each time I provide seeing my physician. I was coming out of my fog but very reiki to my clients. I found my new career path in the natuslowly. I decided to talk with Char at Doorways to in Jamesral healing process of reiki. It changed my goals, my selftown, ND. I explained how lost I had been feeling. It just so confidence, my attitude, my beliefs and my life. It helped happened she was going to be offering some classes she to stabilize my mental health symptoms and challenge the thought may help me. beliefs I had about being mentally ill. I took a chance and signed up for the classes. The first If you have never tried reiki before and you struggle with class I took was the Master class. I had the opportunity to your own mental illness issues, give it a try. It helped me learn how I was feeling and not live in fear any longer. I had change my life. It may help to change yours. to challenge my old belief system about myself and listen to every word I was saying to myself. I learned to turn those ~ Shawn is a licensed addiction counselor and MSW. thoughts around and let go of many of my old beliefs. She practiced in the mental health field for 22 years. She The second class I took was the Chakra series class. I also trained in aromatherapy and is a Doterra essential oil learned about the 7 chakras and where I tended to block my advocate. Shawn returned to private practice for addiction energy. I was also provided with healing crystals for each of 2 days a week with Creative Therapy in Valley City, ND and the chakras and learned to meditate. This allowed me to be owns her own reiki business: Inner Awakenings One Drop prepared for my most important classes: Reiki I and II. at a Time. Shawn is a public speaker, motivational inter I didn’t know if I could do the Reiki class. Even though viewing trainer, and has been a professor ad liteum for the I had worked on my old beliefs they still haunted me from University of Jamestown. Shawn has been married for 16 time to time. My old beliefs about my mental illness were years and has a 12 year old son and 2 pugs. She lived in coming through strong. I think a part of me thought I was Jamestown for 16 years and just recently made the move to never going to get better. In my mind I believed I was physiMiller, South Dakota where she can be found at Dakota Excally, mentally, emotionally and spiritually broken. How peditions Lodge. To contact Shawn, find her on FB at Inner could I ever be stable enough to move forward? Awakenings: One Drop at a Time or call/text 701-269-2469 The answers came to me when I started to learn reiki. to schedule an appointment. 18 Project Light and Love Fall 2016
Acupuncture: Triggering the Body to Heal By Lexi Corwin
How does it work? What are the needles actually doing? I’m feeling better, is it all in my head? As an acupuncturist, I hear these questions every day. Most of my patients and many people I talk to on a daily basis, have a ton of questions about Chinese Medicine. Thanks to modern scientific research, almost any question people have can be answered on a scientific basis or through a Traditional Chinese Medical perspective. What can acupuncture treat? This is my favorite question, mostly because I love the answer. Acupuncture can treat EVERYTHING. Because of the way it triggers the body to heal itself, there really isn’t anything that’s off limits. Although it does treat some things faster than others, acupuncture is a great option for anyone feeling “a little off” or just not quite themselves. Here’s a list of common ailments that can be treated with acupuncture: -Back and Neck Pain -Headaches/migraines -Women’s Health -PMS -Endometriosis -Menopause -Fertility
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-Labor Induction -PCOS -Digestive Disorders -High Blood Pressure -Tennis Elbow -Carpal Tunnel Syndrome -Sports injuries -Dental Pain -Post operative pain -Depression/Anxiety How does acupuncture work? I like to explain this question in two parts. The first part is the scientific research and the second part is the Traditional Chinese Medical Theory. Scientifically, acupuncture works by increasing circulation, decreasing inflammation, and reducing pain. The circulation is increased due to the micro trauma the needle causes. The body instinctively turns on its healing properties and sends them out to the area the needle was inserted. When this happens, all of those healing particles that were sent out don’t just heal the place where the needle was inserted, it heals the tissue in the surrounding areas. I like to think of it as tricking the body into thinking there is a new injury, when really the needle is inserted into a place to
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let the body know of an old injury that has yet to be healed. When the circulation increases, the body sends out different properties that are involved in the inflammatory process. Whenever your skin turns bright red from bumping into something, THAT’S THIS! The skin is turning red because of the increase in circulation and healing factors in the area. When the body starts healing itself, it initially causes inflammation. This should self correct and go down once it is healed. Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn’t and that lingering inflammation causes chronic pain. By stimulating the body to that area again, it can finish the job and reduce the inflammation, which relieves the pain. Next is the best part, relieving pain. Every time we have an injury, the body releases endorphins. Those are the amazing hormones that make us feel great, similar to a “runners high.” Those same endorphins are released during an acupuncture treatment. Patients say they feel like they were floating or extremely relaxed. Most importantly, they relieve pain. Now, Chinese Medical Theory is usually brand new to people. We don’t talk about it a lot in Western Culture. But, most of us know the generally terms such as Qi, Yin, and Yang. As acupuncturists, we use those terms to diagnose people. We all have qi in every part of our body. It’s our life force. When the qi isn’t circulating properly, pain and disease occur. Acupuncture is used to unblock the meridian channels and allow for proper circulation, essentially balancing the body and resolving pain and disease. But do the needles hurt?? No, acupuncture needles are hair-thin. They are about a quarter of the size of a standard sewing needle. When properly inserted, a patient will most likely feel a small pinch. The feeling should go away within 30 to 60 seconds. Throughout the course of the treatment, the patient might feel a dull throb at the insertion site, but should not feel any pain. They should feel very relaxed and calm throughout the treatment. What kind of training does an acupuncturist receive? A nationally certified acupuncturist receives over 3,000 hours of training, a three year master’s degree, takes three board exams and a clean needle technique exam. Before Fall 2016
graduating we need to have completed 250 treatments and have over 500 supervised clinic hours. We also need a certain number of prerequisite classes before starting the Master’s program, usually 2 years of biology, psychology, and chemistry. I, myself, have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in health and medical sciences. Holistic health care is on the rise in America and as an acupuncturist I couldn’t be more excited about it. I hear people every day talking about their aches and pains, headaches, migraines, and stress levels. Our lifestyle choices put an enormous amount of stress and pressure on our bodies. People need to find a way to bring their bodies back into balance, naturally. Luckily, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years and has been proven to work time and time again. The next time you feel out of balance, give your local acupuncturist a call. You’ll be surprised at how much you love it. Lexi was born and raised in North Dakota. She graduated from Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in health and medical sciences. She then attended Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota. She graduated with her Master’s in Acupuncture in 2015. She spends her free time with her husband and 3 children as well as their 2 dogs. FM Acupuncture * 4201 38th St S, Suite 208 * Fargo, ND 58104 * (701) 364-9915 lexi@fargoacupuncture.com
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Spice Up Your Life By Gail Pederson
Herbs and spices have been used throughout history as medicine, in cooking and even as currency. Kings and Queens were embalmed and our food preserved with spices. Wars have been fought over spices and kingdoms lost because of the quest for them. New lands were found as they helped preserve our food and our worlds expanded. Medicinal uses started with the beginning of time, utilized by physicians, healers, medicine people, herbalists and just every day people. Religious rituals involve spices and herbs in many cultures. Many years ago, when I began my Holistic Nursing journey, I was given an 1838 copy of a book entitled The Indian Doctor: Nature’s method of curing and preventing disease according to the Indians, compiling herbal remedies from our native people. The original is in rough shape, but it is cherished. I found a copy a few years later at the Medora Rest Area bookstore and it is now in the public domain. They seemed to use lots of poultices, packs and teas. I also ques-
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tion what the names of the various herbs are in the book. It is a wealth of information and some misinformation on a wide variety of illnesses with a special section
on childbirth. You can download it here or google it for an interesting read! https://collections.nlm.nih.gov/catalog/nlm:nlmuid-0215414-bk What is a medicinal spice? It is a dried seed, fruit, root, bark or vegetative substance used in nutritionally insignificant quantities as a food, food additive for flavor, color or as a preservative that kills harmful bacteria or creates balance in the body. It helps the body reach “Homeostasis”, allowing the body’s healing abilities to kick in. Herbs are the leafy green parts used to flavor your food or provide nutritional support. Eastern medicine such Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine have used herbs and spices forever! Naturopaths and Herbalists provide knowledge in current times. Medicinal spices can be classified as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral. There
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are many research studies that are proving the efficacy of herbs and spices and more are being done as we speak. The herbal formulary used in countries like Germany and France have a large body of information that rarely gets mention in the U.S. I will outline a few that are in the news and are proving beneficial. 1. Turmeric/Curcumin is considered an anti-inflammatory and works with the COX-2 system much like NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Aleve. Turmeric is taken from the orange colored rhizome of the plant. It is one of the spices in curry powder and gives it its yellow color. Curcumin is the active ingredient in Turmeric. Curcumin in controlled studies has been found to decrease pain in osteoarthritis and is helpful in digestive disorders. It can also decrease insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes. It has anti-tumor properties and may have an effect on preventing the formation of plaque with dementia. Supplements should be taken with/after meals, and are usually 500mg capsules. I recommend capsules with BCM-95. The usual dose is up to 1500mg daily. If you have gall bladder disease/ stones or kidney stones you should avoid Curcumin, as it stimulates the excretion of bile. 2. Cinnamon Bark is anti-inflammatory and is considered an antioxidant. It has been shown to modestly decrease blood sugar in many clinical trials. It is antifungal, bactericidal and antiviral. Most cinnamon sold for cooking and in supplements is Cinnamon Cassia. This has proven to be less effective than Ceylon Cinnamon or True Cinnamon. Cinnamon binds with bile salts and can reduce irritation and colon disease. Try to find the true cinnamon. I have purchased organic Ceylon Cinnamon from Frontier Herbs, available online. Cassia Cinnamon may contain high levels of coumarin, which may cause increased blood thinning properties and should be avoided by people taking Coumadin or other blood thinners. 3. Rosemary is another herb best used fresh or as an essential oil. I grabbed a sprig of rosemary and placed it beside my computer to help keep me alert. Traditional medicinal uses of rosemary leaf preparations taken internally include digestive distress, headaches, and anxiety. The fragrance of rosemary leaf has been said to enhance memory. Rosemary oil is applied to the skin to treat muscle and joint pain. 4. Coriander seeds yield cilantro, also known as Chinese parsley, a staple herb in Mexican, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian cooking. The seeds have been used for thousands of years as a digestive aid. The herb can be helpful for some people with irritable bowel syndrome, as it calms intestinal spasms that can lead to diarrhea. Preliminary studies in animals support another traditional use for coriander—as an anti-anxiety herb. Its essential oil appears to fight bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. It’s also being studied for its potential cholesterol-reducing benefits and has been shown to lower cholesterol in animals. Like many other herbs, this one acts as an antioxidant. According to one study, cilantro leaves provide the most antioxidant punch of any herb. Fall 2016
5. Licorice root has many uses, most importantly in the ability to regulate and balance acid levels in the stomach. Licorice is anit-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and is soothing. This supplement may be a safer alternative for dyspepsia than medications like Pepcid or Nexium. Use of licorice can encourage diuresis (eliminate fluid from the body). Manufacturers have found a way to remove glycyrrhizin from licorice, producing the safer product deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). This is the form you should look for. Licorice should not be used long term and only in the DGL form. 6. Basil is a well utilized herb throughout the world. There are at least 30 varieties that are grown with more being developed every year. Basil is classified as an “Adaptogen” helping a person deal with life’s stressors. The fresh herb is best. There is nothing better than a basil pesto. I make and freeze pesto in ice cube trays to use in the winter! 7. Sage - Perhaps it’s no coincidence that ‘sage’ describes a wise person; the herb is a known memory enhancer and has been shown in some lab studies to protect the brain against certain processes that lead to Alzheimer’s disease. In at least one human study, a sage-oil concoction improved the mood of participants, increasing their alertness, calmness, and contentedness. The freshness of your herbs and spices is important. Generally the shelf life of dried herbs and spices is 6 months to a year. Supplements will have an outdate on them. An item of concern with supplements is that they actually contain the substance in the amount stated on the bottle. Be sure you are buying a reputable brand. I have found a website, consumerlabs.com, that tests and publishes information on a wide variety of herbs and supplements. It is a subscription service for complete access to the information. I would recommend Frontier Herbs for your cooking needs. My garden is finally at its peak and the herbs I have been growing are my own little natural medicine chest! Oregano, marjoram, rosemary, sage, dill, cilantro, basil and fennel are maturing well among the weeds that are “sheltering” them. I relish the summer when I can fill the house full of the smell of these healing herbs. I preserve their goodness through drying and freezing and have brought plants, such as rosemary, in for the winter. Gail Pederson, SPRN, HN-BC is Board Certified as a Special Practice RN in Holistic Nursing. Her business, Be Well Healing Arts pllc is open by appointment. It is located at 123 3rd Street, NE, Valley City, ND, 58072. To make an appointment or for questions, please contact Gail at 701-490-2132. Find Be Well Healing Arts on Facebook.
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