Heal Your Body

Photo by: Elia Pellegrini @eliapelle

There are many natural ways to help your body heal with natural foods, herbs, spices, movement and meditation to name a few. A healthy lifestyle is created with small gradual shifts followed by minor course corrections over time. There are so many healthy practices that can be implemented while receiving conventional treatments prescribed by medical professionals. We have more power over our physical and mental health than we will ever realize. Always ask questions when it comes to treatments whether it’s natural, holistic or conventional. Tune into to your intuition to hear your body, ask your body what it needs from you and practice loving yourself they way you love your family, children and pets. You are worthless to them if you’re unwell so make your health a priority…it’s for you/for them!

Cheat sheet of anti-inflammatory foods and spices:

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Dandelion, Wheatgrass, Collard Greens, Celery, Peppers, Blueberries, Aronia Berries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Cherries, Oranges, Red Grapes

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS, SPICES, GRAINS & OILS: 

Turmeric, Garlic, Red Onions, Ginger, Ginseng, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Cloves, Sage, Thyme, Basil, Oregano, Marjoram, Spirulina, Moringa, Cacao, Chamomile, Green Tea, Horseradish, Rosemary, Barley, Amaranth, Oats, Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil

Meditation:

Here is a meditation to heal the body…this is the full audio book, “Heal Your Body” by Louise Hay, the godmother of self-love and healing the body.

The Color of Health

Photo by: Jason Dent @jdent

Green provides the most healing effects of any other color. Light blue is up there with green as it evokes tranquility and calmness.

Green is reflected in nature and is associated with the Heart Chakra. If there is an imbalance in the body or a conflict of the heart, it is helpful to get outside and spend time in nature. Imagine there are roots growing from your feet down into the earth while taking deep breaths. With each exhale, your roots grow deeper into the earth creating stability and strength. This is where self-trust and healing can begin. Take as many as 30 slow deep breaths. Lightheadedness may occur so move slowly and take your time.

Here is a healing Heart Chakra Meditation to mend a wounded or battered heart.

Healing Wood

Photo by: Chris Rosiak @oserone

Palo Santo or “Holy Wood,” is related to Frankincense, Myrrh and Copal.

Burning Palo Santo reduces stress, relieves anxiety, headaches, depression and is anti-inflammatory. The sweet and woodsy scent is soothing and more mild than the scent of sage. When burning a stick of Palo Santo, keep a flame on the end of the stick for about 30 seconds, then gently blow out the flame or allow it to fade into the white smoke that will burn for a few minutes. The white smoke is mesmerizing so this would be a good time for a meditation. Stare at the waves of the white smoke and focus on an intention for the day.

Palo Santo oil is a topical anti-inflammatory remedy for joint pain. To make home made Palo Santo oil, simply soak small pieces of the wood in a carrier oil like grapeseed or olive oil for at least three days. Apply the oil to the inflamed joint areas as needed. Enjoy the sweet scent and healing benefit of this sacred wood.

Wellness Drink Recipe

Photo by: Emma-Jane Hobden @emmalejane

“TROJAN HORSE” WELLNESS DRINK

All organic vegetables:

• 1 organic beet

• 1 quarter carrot (about 1 inch)

• 1 slice of a raddish

• 1 quarter celery stalk (about 1 inch)

• 1 slice of a purple potato

  BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH

• Drink every day for 42 days to heal or weekly for balance

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Why Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is a complete protein, increases energy, anti-inflammatory, improves digestion, has vitamins and minerals, helps with weight loss, treats arthritis and 1oz is equivalent to 2.5lbs of vegetables.

Nature Walks

Photo by: Sergei Akulich @sakulich

Forest Therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku or “forest bathing.” Forest Therapy is known to reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, decreased anxiety, depression and fatigue among many other positive improvements.

Certified Forest Therapy Guide and mental health nurse, Sharon Lohse, created Mindful In Nature offering horticulture therapy using items found in nature to create art along with forest therapy events in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Having participated in one of Sharon’s Forest Therapy events, I have to say that it was a memorable and impactful two and half hours. Sharon shared techniques on experiencing nature in new ways, slowing down, observing details in trees and listening with “deer ears.” The event ended with a tea ceremony and delicious snacks made by Sharon. I think about this day often and how it deepened my experience and time spent in nature. Thank you Sharon for creating this healing event.

Sharon Lohse, creator of Mindful In Nature (This photo is from the Mindful In Nature website)