I love my work as a Licensed Acupuncturist, but I have to be honest – acupuncture is only my 2nd favorite modality. The one that gets me excited, that I use whenever given the opportunity, and that adds the most benefit to clients who are needing extra nourishment, is moxibustion.
What’s that?
Moxibustion, or “Moxa” for short, is the burning of the mugwort herb, Artemisia species, next to acupuncture points. It’s a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) modality that is just as old and revered as acupuncture, though less known here in the West. That may change though, as TCM is becoming more widespread. Already, researchers have declared that heat therapy in general is a promising technique, especially for low back pain. But that’s just one of the many conditions that moxibustion can effectively treat.
In the classic Chinese text Huangdi Neijing Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot of the Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic), it states that moxibustion should be used when a disease fails to respond to acupuncture and herbs.
From a TCM perspective, moxibustion treats “cold” conditions that benefit from heat and greater circulation of qi (vital energy) and blood. It is tonifying and nourishing to the core, feels wonderful, and has a distinct aroma that most people find relaxing. It’s used to prevent disease and increase longevity.
A respectable amount of modern research shows that moxibustion has a positive effect on all human physiological systems, has analgesic effects, can boost immunity and affect the rate of aging.
The most popular conditions where moxibustion use is indicated include:
There are several ways to use moxa. TCM practitioners use the dried wool on the tops of acupuncture needles to warm a point or can place a small cone of moxa on salt, ginger, or another base that has therapeutic properties which is directly against the skin. But the easiest method is using a moxa stick which looks like a cigar. It’s burned without fire, like incense and situated close to the point needing to be warmed. It’s held there with an in and out “pecking motion” for several minutes.
What is really great about this therapy is that a practitioner can teach clients how to use a moxa stick and they can do it easily at home on themselves or with the help of a partner.
Self-administered moxibustion on Kidney 1 for insomnia
There are definite concerns about inhaling the smoke from moxa. And I always ensure that I have proper ventilation before using it. However, the amount of time people are typically exposed appears to not be a problem.
This study shows that there were no adverse effects to Heart Rate Variability (HRV) when participants were exposed to routine 25 minute exposure to moxa smoke. HRV is a measure of sympathetic nervous system stress that is typically triggered with tobacco smoke & air pollution. Further studies are warranted, but this study actually suggested that the smoke might have positive effects on the autonomic nervous system.
Are you intrigued and want to learn more? I’d love to answer any questions in the comments. For those of you who’ve tried moxibustion, please let us know about your experience!
Even though essential oils have been used all over the world for thousands of years, they’re still unfamiliar to many modern Americans. Luckily for all, there is a new wave of interest . People are discovering that they do much more than offer a pleasing fragrance. Essential oils can support one’s physical, emotional, and mental health in a natural way, free of side effects and addictions. In this article, we’ll discuss the best essential oils for stress, a condition most of us need help with!
Recently, I’ve been working with a technique called Aroma Acupoint Therapy in my TCM clinic that combines essential oils with acupuncture points. I’m finding that the effects are so profound that for children & sensitive adults, this method is a fine substitute for acupuncture.
The treatment I do the most is for relieving tension and calming the spirit. If this is something you need too, then I highly suggest using the following oils alone or as a lovely blend.
All are safe used neat, in their concentrated form, if using on specific body points as I do with acupressure. But for beginners, it may be easier to dilute the oils in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, to spread across a larger surface of the body. The bottom of the feet is a great place for topical application of these oils. This helps you ground your energy, relieve tension, and also activate many systemic reflexology points.
Or, simply place a few drops in a diffuser and let your brain’s olfactory perception of these oils help melt away the tension.
This oil, derived from the rind of the fruit, has both calming and uplifting properties. It’s perfect for when one is feeling anxious or depressed. Like most citrus oils, you must stay out of sunlight, avoiding UV rays for up to 12 hours after topical application.
Lavender is one of the oldest oils, used by Romans & Egyptians when bathing, cooking, relaxing, and as a perfume. It’s a must-have for modern people who experience restless sleep. In addition to diffusing and spreading across the bottom of the feet, you can place a few drops on a cotton ball and place under your pillow when you’re ready to snooze.
It’s not just a tasty culinary herb! The essential oil of marjoram supports the nervous system, having a sedative effect and also eases sore muscles. Apply it to the back of the neck or wherever tension is showing up in your body.
The chemical chamazulene creates the brilliant blue shade of Blue Tansy, also known as Moroccan Chamomile. Blue tansy can be diffused to uplift your mood or be massaged into the skin to relax muscular tension.
Cedarwood is a very grounding oil that can help move tense energy down and out from the neck, shoulders, and upper back when applied to the feet.
In order to receive the greatest benefit, it’s important to use “Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade” essential oils. Unfortunately, due to loose regulation, there are many oils on the market that have been adulterated even though the labels say they are 100% pure. Visit my Natural Health Products page for my suggestions and support.
Have you used essential oils for calming the mind and soothing tension? Please let me know about your experience in the comments! Well wishes to you…
This soup is so delicious and nutritious! I’m not vegan and appreciate the nutrition of animal fat & protein, but I feel less ethically challenged when I limit them. The chia pesto in this plant-based recipes adds a nice dose of omega-3 fatty acids and greater than 5 times the calcium in milk.
It does call for many ingredients and therefore a lot of preparation, but the actual cooking time is short. You can make it gluten-free by skipping the farro or replacing it with wild rice. Enjoy!
We’ve been eating this soup since by son was a toddler. Making a puréed soup like this is a great way to get some yummy greens into your child. I’ve also made a version of this soup with kale instead of broccoli. You can add a dollop of probiotic-rich yogurt or sour cream, adding more fat and protein to make it a more complete meal. Another plus: it takes less than 30 minutes to make!
I often hear myself saying, “sometimes it needs to get really bad before it gets better”.
I might be referring to politics or a sticky social situation that prompts change. I’ve said it to clients too who have a health condition that they’ve let go, but are now committed to resolving. But last week was the first time I found myself saying it to my family.
You see, my son has found Minecraft.
I love seeing him so passionate about something, I’m awed by his creations, pleased with how engaged his is with other online players, and proud of his growing confidence (he’s even talking about doing Minecraft YouTube tutorials!).
But…it’s becoming a bit much. That was obvious when he had a meltdown at the end of a day that featured way too much screen time.
After he cooled down and we talked about what happened, he admitted that the game was negatively affecting him. He also suggested that I write a blog post about it to help other parents! So here I am, following through.
I try to encourage autonomy for my son whenever possible. I do my best to educate him on healthy food choices, dental hygiene, and bathing, but for the most part, we trust that he will either make the best choice for himself or learn from decisions that weren’t in his best interest. But now with this digital obsession, it is clear that he cannot self-regulate and is relying on us to provide limits to avoid anymore physical, mental, and emotional harm.
Because of the meltdown, my son is more aware of the negative effects of screens, so I suppose allowing this consequence did work. But I felt horrible that we had to get to that place in order for him to appreciate our screen limits and I had never intended for him to actually learn the lesson this way.
After reflecting on this for awhile, it seems to me that natural consequences are worthwhile only if the person…
1. Understands cause and effect and is mindful of what they are experiencing.
2. Has the maturity to learn from the mistake.
3. Is not permanently damaged from the consequence.
4. Actually cares about their health!
I see examples of this issue coming up in the clinic in different ways. I have a few parents right now dealing with wonderfully willful children who are not making the best decisions. The parents are concerned about chronic infections or behavior problems and are needing to change their lifestyle choices, encourage their children to follow through with our treatment plan by taking some herbs/supplements, and to establish healthy habits like dressing warmer. For if they continue to get sick often or have emotional imbalances, it negatively impacts other areas of their life. The children are not yet making the connection that their poor choices are worsening their condition.
Should you allow natural consequences for unhealthy habits? Will your child learn better this way? Or will the message be lost on them? Of course this is totally up to you to decide, and your answers maybe different depending on the situation.
Perhaps the next question you should ask though is:
Do you really want the situation to get bad before you implement positive changes?!
Please let us know what you think in the comments!
Detoxifying your body may seem like all the rage these days! But what does it mean to detox and why is it so necessary? And how do you detox at home?
The liver is the organ that processes the body’s hormonal and metabolic waste as well as toxins. A toxin is anything that stresses the body and decreases health. Examples of toxins are pesticides and sugar in our food, phthalates in skin products, and sodium laurel sulfate in hair products. Then, there’s chlorine & fluoride added to our city water, pollutants in the air, plastics, metals, pharmaceutical medications, etc.
The liver is aided by our excretory system and toxins are expelled through our sweat, urine, and bowel movements. This is an awesomely efficient system, except when the liver gets overwhelmed and sluggish. Typically, our bowels slow down and we experience constipation, weight gain, and inflammation. Subsequently, skin rashes and acne may result from this GI tract congestion.
We are more challenged than ever with environmental toxins. Therefore, it’s nice to give the liver some extra support a few times a year with a thorough cleanse.
There are several whole food diet programs that help reduce the load on the liver and clear out all the excretory organs. However, many of these programs are quite challenging to stick with.
Fortunately, there are many changes you can make at home to help your body detox easily every day. Here’s how…
6 Ways To Detox At Home
1. Avoid Toxins!
Of course, it’s better to avoid toxins as much as you can. Here are the things you want to look out for and change if possible.
Stop eating sugary, processed, packaged, and fast food made with trans fat.
Avoid eating and drinking from plastics, cooking with aluminum foil and teflon, wearing fire retardants in clothes, burning candles and other synthetics substances, etc., whenever possible.
Avoid pharmaceutical medications and seek out natural alternatives from a holistic health practitioners.
Get home water and air filters.
2. Drink a few glasses of water first thing in the morning
Encourage peristalsis and get the bowels moving with a nice big flush of room temperature water. If you add lemon and a splash of apple cider vinegar, you’ll stimulate the liver and gall bladder to increase digestive function.
3. Load up on vegetables and fruits
Nature provides the best detoxing program! Just about every fruit and vegetable can support the liver and bowels in eliminating toxins. However, some work better than others:
Just make sure that they you’re eating organic produce or you’re missing the point!
4. Sweat it out
Saunas, steam showers, and hot baths have numerous therapeutic qualities. Releasing toxins is one of them.
In one study, samples were collected from 20 individuals (10 “healthy” and 10 with known health problems). “BPA (bisphenol-A from plastics) was found to differing degrees in each of blood, urine, and sweat. In 16 of 20 participants, BPA was identified in sweat, even in some individuals with no BPA detected in their serum or urine samples.”
5. Essential oils
Applying essential oils topically is an easy way to support organ detoxification. Place a few drops on the liver area (right side of lower rib cage) and the soles of the feet (where there are numerous reflexology points) .
Soaking in an epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) bath pulls out heavy metals and other toxins through our porous skin. Dr. Axe suggests adding 2 cups of epsom salt to hot/very warm bath water and soak for 40 minutes. (20 min. to purge toxins + 20 min. to replenish magnesium which helps with sleep & digestion!).
If you’re needing a detox, adopting one or more of these practices at home is a good place to start!
Do you have experience cleansing with one of these techniques? How did it work for you? Anything else to suggest? Let us know in the comments!
Would you like more success in your life, love, health, and business? Want to attract the right partners and circumstances to make it so? I have created a chakra meditation which will develop areas of your life that can bring you into balance energetically, attracting what you desire most.
Raising Your Vibration
While searching for mindset training to create more positivity in one’s life, I came across an Oprah Winfrey video. In ths Super Soul Sunday episode, she interviewed Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith.
What he says in the video about “raising your vibration” to manifest what you desire in life is nothing new if you’re familiar with The Law Of Attraction. The way that he says it clicked with me differently though. Now I understand on a much deeper level. You can watch it yourself in this short clip:
“You cannot have what you’re not willing to become,” are his words that struck me the most.
My understanding of his message is that you’re not just wishing for something positive to happen. You actually need to develop your heart and mind to a degree where you are fully able to appreciate and receive what you are wishing for. This is what is referred to as “matching the vibration”.
Using Chakra Meditation to Match and Attract a Vibration
So how exactly do we do that? There are methods in The Law Of Attraction such as this Manifestation Meditation that are great guides.
I like how my own mind is filling in the blanks on how to match our energy with what we desire though.
After watching the Oprah video, I went on a hike and then taught a meditation class at our local yoga studio. What came out of me, as I was processing and sharing, was the Chakra Meditation I have recorded for you below.
The chakras are 7 wheels of energy in Yogic subtle body anatomy that link up our physical, emotional, and mental nature. The 1st chakra is at the base of the torso, also connecting to the legs. The next 4 wheels are situated along the length of, yet in front of the spine. And the final 2 are in the head.
Chakra Development
In the 1st chakra we experience and develop basic human needs & characteristics as well as physical integrity (lower vibration). Each higher chakra develops more relational and worldly characteristics, culminating with the crown chakra that is said to connect with spirit, and when fully developed, where we find our place the universe.
By doing this meditation, you are mindfully filling in any gaps that may be present. This could be from past trauma, rocky parenting, or any unstable/stressful situation which may have resulted stunted emotional development. Usually, base or lower vibration chakras need to be developed and “matched” before you are able to lift yourself up to a higher vibration.
Guided Chakra Meditation
This meditation will help you feel more whole and connected. Once whole, you’ll be able to receive what you feel you truly deserve in this lifetime.
How did this meditation work for you? Please share your experience or offer suggestions in the comments!
‘Tis the season to cultivate generosity and an open heart. I feel very fortunate that we have a little extra money to give to those in need and to causes I believe in. It’s hard to choose which ones though. I’m sure your mailbox is similar to mine; around this time of year every charity that has your mailing address is requesting you make an end-of-year donation.
How do you choose which ones to support?
I like to reflect on what matters to me most and find charities that are aligned with those values.
I always donate to our local no-kill animal shelter and food bank. But I also appreciate larger organizations that have a bigger impact on national policies and global efforts.
If you share my interests/concerns about environmental pollution, traditional whole organic foods, lifting people out of poverty, medical freedom, parental rights, empowering women in business, protecting children from predators, and supporting the efforts of alternative medicine, then you may want to check out my favorite charities below.
“The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children’s health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics. We are the only organization in the US focused exclusively on promoting the views and interests of the nation’s estimated 50 million organic and socially responsible consumers…”
“The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action.
We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.
We work for you. Do you know what’s in your tap water? What about your shampoo? What’s lurking in the cleaners underneath your sink? What pesticides are on your food? How about the farms, fracking wells and factories in your local area? Do you know what safeguards they use to protect your water, soil, air and your kids? Which large agribusinesses get your tax dollars and why? What are GMOs? What do they do to our land and water?
More than two decades ago EWG set out to answer these questions, and more, and to empower you to get to know your environment and protect your health.”
“A Voice for Choice, Inc. is a tax-deductible non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which:
Promotes people’s rights to be fully informed about the composition, quality, and short- and long-term health effects of food and pharmaceutical products.
Educates people about these issues and their rights to be informed consumers and control what they put in their bodies.
Supports large-scale primary and secondary research into these issues.
Works with doctors, nutritionists, researchers and other professionals to ensure the information we share is the most up to date.”
I’ve been to many parental rights rallies with AVFC’s founder Christina Hildebrand and was honored to speak sitting next to her in the only meeting our Senator, Jerry Hill, was willing to have with opponents of SB277, the CA law that removed a parent’s right to refuse vaccinations for their schoolchildren based on philosophical and religious beliefs. She is also the owner of Real Food Bay Area, our local community supported agriculture program in our community. I love all the work that she’s doing and will continue to support it annually.
Since 1993, Women for Women International has helped more than 462,000 marginalized women in countries affected by war and conflict. We serve women in 8 countries offering support, tools, and access to life-changing skills to move from crisis and poverty to stability and economic self-sufficiency.
We bring women together in a safe space to learn life, business, and vocational skills. Once enrolled, each receives a monthly stipend – a vital support that enables her to participate.
Women increase their ability to earn an income with new skills that are in-demand. They learn about their legal rights, and they become knowledgeable about health and nutrition. The result: stronger women, stronger families, and stronger communities. This ripple effect is profound.
Women for Women International delivers our programs through the generous support of individual, corporate and foundation donors, partners, and governments. Our work is regularly featured in international media, including BBC, CNN, MSNBC, The Guardian, The New York Times, 60 Minutes, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Recognized for our global impact Women for Women International was honored with the prestigious Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize in 2006, and receives favorable ratings from independent charity groups.”
“Having experienced the life-enriching power of essential oils, a group of health-care and business professionals collaborated with a common goal of creating a new standard of essential oils that would influence individuals and communities around the world. In the spring of 2008, their vision became a reality and doTERRA, meaning “gift of the Earth,” was founded. Since the company’s beginning, high-quality essential oils sourced and distributed by doTERRA have spread throughout the globe, enhancing many lives.
In addition to sharing essential oils with the world, doTERRA aspired to serve people and communities with the resources they had. Initially, this meant donating to charities, fundraisers, and community projects, but it eventually grew to be much more. The doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation was created in June 2012 as an official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The foundation is one of the ways doTERRA reaches out and serves communities in need. They do this by partnering with organizations and doTERRA Wellness Advocates to offer hope to millions around the world. Through the foundation’s efforts, lives are freed of disease and poverty, and communities are empowered with the tools needed to become self-reliant.”
DōTERRA has numerous projects it leads in countries where their oils are sourced that help to support the communities like: providing clean water sources, creating jobs, and building medical centers & schools. These efforts are one of the biggest reasons I love being a dōTERRA wellness advocate & distributor.
Operation Underground Railroad is one of their biggest undertakings, to rescue children from sex trafficking. See video below…
“Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB) provides disaster relief, recovery and support for building resiliency – to communities affected by disasters, human conflict, environmental devastation, poverty and social injustice. Unresolved trauma affects not only the health of individuals, but the well-being of families, communities and entire nations. Trauma often has repercussions for generations, preventing cooperation, co-existence and peace among the world’s people.
AWB’s mission is to interrupt the devastating effects of trauma by reducing suffering and helping individuals and communities find greater balance and resiliency. We use community-style ear acupuncture as a powerful, simple, safe way of helping people “reset” their nervous systems to a greater state of calm, quiet and clarity. When a group experiences this relief from chaos, hope, determination and resiliency can begin to be restored, which allows communities to move forward.
AWB is committed to collaborating with local community-based organizations and treating all who have been affected by traumatic events – survivors, first responders, emergency personnel and other care providers. We offer services and training in local communities with the goal of creating long-term, sustainable benefits after we leave. Our intention is to empower each community we serve in a way that best supports their particular needs for rebuilding and recovery.
Acupuncturists Without Borders is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.”
“The Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) is your source for accurate information on nutrition and health, always aiming to provide the scientific validation of traditional foodways. People seeking health today often condemn certain food groups — such as grains, dairy foods, meat, salt, fat, sauces, sweets and nightshade vegetables — but the Wise Traditions Diet is inclusive, not exclusive.”
Do you have any charities you’d like us to consider supporting? Please tell us about them in the comments!
Do you have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis or Hypothyroidism? Did your doctor tell you to take prescription thyroid medications for the rest of your life? Me too, but I trusted my body more than I did my doctor’s advice. I proved to myself and others that it is possible to heal. Read on to learn more about my powerful natural solutions for hypothyroid disease that you might want to try too!
I’m passionate about alternative medicine and whole food nutrition. They offer great support and healing potential to people with chronic disease.
I’ve talked briefly about my wellness journey in previous posts. I’m slowly regaining thyroid function after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism over a decade ago. I want to share the details of my story now since the time feels right.
If you suffer from thyroid disease too, you may want to know what’s possible for you too. You’re not doomed to a lifetime of thyroid hormone replacement. You can address the root cause of the disease instead, and be an active participant in your body’s healing process.
Before we get to possible solutions, let me explain how I got here…
My Inflammatory Beginning
I’m one of the 20 million Americans currently living with thyroid disease. I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. However, I’m also one of the many people who are placing their disease in remission and regaining thyroid function.
I’ve read many stories of people who were diagnosed with hypothyroidism after experiencing debilitating fatigue, depression, brain fog, hair loss, weight gain, and constipation. My case was not that obvious or severe.
I complained to my M.D. about my inability to lose weight even with exercise and dieting. I had sluggish digestion too, but not enough to cause discomfort. On a hunch, my M.D. palpated my neck and noticed that my thyroid was enlarged. He then suggested we do a thyroid panel blood test.
Indeed, my thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroid hormone (T4) were within range. However, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibodies were elevated to 101 IU/mL, confirming the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
He had no explanation for why this happened. This inflammation would eventually destroy my thyroid tissue. It would lower T4 and increase TSH hormones. Levothyroxine (synthetic T4) is an easy fix for this. I got my prescription and that was that.
Searching For Natural Solutions to Hypothyroid Disease
Shortly after my diagnosis, I made the decision to quit my job in Biotech and get my Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I had a more relaxed schedule and enjoyed what I was doing. Life was good.
But then I started to question:
How could I be an effective alternative medicine practitioner if I could not heal myself?
I depended on a pharmaceutical product that simply put my thyroid gland to sleep. Inflammation was the root cause of my condition. Simply replacing thyroid hormone didn’t feel right.
My condition puzzled my Chinese Medicine teachers. This was over 10 years ago. Our clinic was just starting to notice the increase in Hashimoto’s patients. We didn’t have a common TCM diagnosis amongst us. My teachers didn’t want to advise me not to take my prescribed medications either. I would get regular acupuncture, which I’m sure helped. Levothyroxine was still keeping my thyroid asleep though, so full recovery wasn’t possible yet.
Experimenting With Possible Causes and Natural Solutions for Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
Once I decided to use food to gain my health back, I went off my thyroid medication so I could easily gauge thyroid function. My thyroid was functioning better with improved symptoms (less inflammation and some weight loss). I confirmed this with occasional blood tests.
After exploring GAPS, SCD, and Ketogenic diets, I managed well on a low-carbohydrate Primal diet. My digestion was not perfect, but was the best it had been in years.
A whole food supplement program supported my thyroid and general circulation.
I continued with acupuncture treatment on myself and working with other practitioners, but honestly, I did not do it as regularly as I would’ve liked.
My last blood test was 8 months ago. Even though my TSH and TPO antibodies still on the high side, they’re now considered within range. Symptoms and how one feels are way more important than numbers on tests though. I still have a few extra pounds of water weight, cold hands & feet, and will occasionally miss a bowel movement here and there. I know there is more work to do.
New Dietary Approach for Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism
I have his book now, Medical Medium Thyroid Healing (rated 5 stars with 500+ reviews on Amazon!). I resonated with this book immediately and it gave me renewed hope. He’s knows a great deal about how bodies work & respond to the environment, toxins, and pathogens. He is sure to be criticized though, because his knowledge was not obtained through scientific methods. Instead, he received this wisdom from Spirit.
Standard health care has no answers at this point, so there’s nothing to lose in trying this out! Anthony William’s main message is a good one. Our bodies ARE WORKING HARD for us to attack an elusive virus. The body is not confused and self-destructive after all.
How to Continue Healing My Body
I know I can overcome this illness with the help of immune boosting foods and avoiding the foods and toxins that feed the virus. This new knowledge has also strengthened my resolve to bring acupuncture back in as one of my main tools. I know how effective it is at managing other viral diseases.
I’m only a few weeks into this new protocol. My predictable, effortless bowel movements, more toned abdomen, adjusted appetite, and great craving for vegetables are telling me that it’s working!
Please tell me your story in the comments! I’m happy to answer any questions you have too. I am an expert in my own health. I can offer you support as you become an expert in your health as well!
The Holiday Season can be the most magical time of the year, celebrating life and love with family and friends. But for some of us, it can be quite the opposite.
Arguments at the dinner table, strained relationships, and reminders that some friends and family are no longer with us, can turn holiday joy into despair. Then, we might see this as a time to survive or get through quickly, unable to feel the deeper meaning of each holiday.
I have a lot of experience in this department, but even when my heart is hurting from a big dose of family dysfunction and I feel anxious about whether certain relationships can ever be repaired, I know that my heart still has a great capacity to experience peace and joy.
How can you make the same space in your heart?
Certainly if you’re deeply depressed or in a rage, speaking with a therapist may be your best option. This post is not meant to replace professional advice if you’re feeling mentally or emotionally unstable either.
But if you simply have the holiday blues and are needing a little something to help you shift your perspective and give your heart some hope, then please read on.
There’s not one answer that will help everyone. These are the things that keep my heart open and my attitude bright during the holidays. Hopefully you will find something here that helps you as well…
Establish Safe Boundaries At Gatherings
First, it’s my personal opinion that you should not feel pressured to attend a holiday gathering if your heart is not in it. There may be some of you who disagree, but I don’t see the point if you’re only there for show and are emotionally distant.
What if your family has a history of drama? Verbal abuse? Degrading behavior? Maybe you should determine ahead of time what you’re willing to endure and if it’s worth it. Is this time together building your relationships and helping you feel more connected to life?
If the answer is no, then perhaps you can reflect on what is a better way to celebrate. Especially if your heart is feeling tender, it may be best to be with people you feel safe around and who fully support you.
Self-reflect Through Journaling
Journaling is my favorite self-help tool! When I write down my feelings and thoughts, it immediately lightens the weight on my heart and mind.
I try not to use it to complain about others though. Instead, if I’m writing to help heal a relationship I try to write about my experience without blame. This helps me to see the situation from the other person’s perspective and to see how I may have contributed to the unease.
Aromatic use of essential oils, perceived through olfaction (smelling), immediately effects the limbic system of the brain where we experience emotions and can create new memories about past experiences.
I know many people choose to drink a lot of alcohol at events, you know, “liquid courage” and to provide some distance from uneasy feelings that may come up. Oils help you to experience these uneasy feelings but then create an experience that helps you surpass them. So, using oils to lift your mood is a much healthier approach than intoxication!
The oil blends I go to when I’m feeling low are dōTERRA’s Consoleand Forgive . They promote feelings of comfort, hope, patience, and contentment.
You can also try diffusing the blend below. Ylang ylang is especially nourishing and resonates well with the heart.
If you can carve out 20 minutes in your day, try the guided practice below and follow up with a brief journal entry about how it went.
Seek Out Energy Healers
Qigong & Reiki practitioners, Acupuncturists, Shamans, and Hypnotists can help you clear energetic & emotional blocks and allow your heart heal on a very deep and profound level.
If you need any help finding a practitioner in the U.S., please let me know. I would be happy to connect you.
Spend Time With Your Spiritual Family
By doing all the self-reflection work above, it’s probably clear by now who the people are who fill your heart with joy. Maybe it’s a group of work friends, a church group, a support group for moms, a grief support group.
For me, I love to reach out to my yoga family of fellow teachers because they understand me in a way that even my closest family members do not (and that’s okay!).
Let this group of friends be your spiritual family. You can lift each other up and show others how deep connections at this special time of year are what really matters.
Do you have anything to add that will help our hearts heal this holiday season? Please spread the love and let us know!
Gratitude is a quality we can be constantly developing to feel more connected in our lives. With the slowing energy of Autumn and the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving with family and friends, we’re more likely to take pause at this time to appreciate all the blessings in our lives. One that I’d like to highlight today is the amazing human body.
Do you love and appreciate your body as it is? For many of us, the answer is “NO”.
There might be something about our appearance that we’d like to change. Or maybe we’ve had some health challenges that have made us feel betrayed by our bodies. Perhaps we DO go through periods of being very thankful for our physical state, but it’s only after a health scare or after someone close to us dies.
Wouldn’t it be lovely to be thankful for your body everyday? Imagine what that may look like.
With that degree of appreciation, we would drop many fears and insecurities. We would make fewer judgements about the appearance of other people too. Most notably, you’d probably stay well for longer stretches of time if you’re constantly checking in with your body, addressing the smallest complaints quickly with devoted self-care.
We all need help in this area. But women are especially sensitive to body image issues and many moms tend to become more disconnected to their bodies as they start to care for their children.
Below are a few ideas to help you feel truly thankful for this precious vehicle that has carried you so far in your life and will continue to do so, hopefully for many more decades to come.
How do you develop appreciation for your body?
1. Consider the body’s amazing capacity to heal
Most of our standard healthcare is focused on pathology. Fear of disease should not be your motivation for keeping your body well. Deep love and respect should be your motivation. To help you develop respect for your body, consider it’s amazing ability to maintain balance and heal.
Our immune system rushes to our aid whenever we have a cut or there’s a foreign microscopic invader. It’s runs on autopilot to keep your heart beating, breath moving, and temperature stable. It WANTS to find balance and is always giving you clues when it’s feeling overwhelmed.
To learn more, you might want to check out the new documentary HEAL which chronicles the health journey of several people who are trying to befriend their bodies and investigate how thoughts and emotions (in response to the outside world) affect their physical health.
2. Seek out natural solutions to aid your body
Mind-body exercises (yoga, qigong, taichi) and holistic medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Chiropractic, Aromatherapy, etc.) work WITH the body and help it heal itself.
In my practice, I find that the people who embrace the modalities that I offer take more responsibility for their health, feel empowered as they get better, and are truly grateful as they see their body change and adapt.
3. Consider the qualities that make you unique
I am short, muscular, and curvy – very far from the “ideal” lithe body that many women long for. As a tween and even through young adulthood people would tease me about working out a lot (which I did not) and it felt horrible.
But over the years I was able to accept the dichotomy of being strong AND feminine. And now I know that other people’s opinions about my body don’t matter.
We all have something about us that may seem different from others. Can you shift your mind and see this as a gift instead of something that makes you seem strange or different?
4. Fill your wardrobe with clothes that fit
Honestly, I need to take my own advice here. I am very, very slowly losing weight and I have a few pre-pregnancy items (7+ yrs. old!) that I’m still longing to get into. Why? I seriously don’t know and they are taking up space.
Are you doing the same? Maybe we should donate those clothes so people who are that size right now can wear them right now. We can fill our wardrobe with clothes that are appealing and comfortable, and not crowd it with those that remind us of our former self or a future ideal.
5. Support clothing companies that value a body-positive image
I love using my money to support causes and companies that share my values.
Beyond Yoga is where I buy most of my yoga clothes because they are made in the USA, carry sizes from XXS to XXL, and use photos on their website of women of all shapes and sizes too.
Shopping with an inclusive brand can really help if you’re needing a boost of body image acceptance. Here’s a few more brands you may want to look at:
Nice form-fitting outfits, jewelry, makeup, slathering with essential oils – even getting piercings and tattoos – are ways many of us like to highlight our favorite features and honor our bodies.
7. Listen to your body
Again, your body is amazing and is always communicating with you! But the mind is powerful and can easily overlook these messages and even discount them.
If you want to accept your body as it is, you’ll need to take a good honest look at it’s condition. Accepting does not mean that we leave it alone though! Instead, we make conscious changes to give it what it needs. The following are typically alarm signals that the body is needing extra support:
Pain
Numbness
Unintentional weight gain/loss
Skin rashes/outbreaks
Digestive disturbances
Frequent illnesses
Fatigue
Dizziness
Disturbed sleep
We can thank our body for these messages, see all of this without shame, and move forward to give the body what it needs to come into balance (perhaps also asking for help from a health professional).
8. Appreciate it’s ability to experience pleasure
The way the body communicates with us is not all negative! Let’s thank it for it’s ability to experience pleasure as well. How?
Cultivating gratitude for the body requires us to live fully in the present moment.
I know a few people right now who are overwhelmed with health challenges and are constantly comparing their current condition with how they used to be in the past. It’s important to learn from the past, but then to move forward with this new knowledge.
Need inspiration? Check out this article that highlights 3 amputee yoginis who use their Instagram feeds to teach body positivity and help others embrace their current condition.
Positive affirmations can be a great tool in changing unhelpful negative behavior like body shaming.
Simply use a search engine or Pinterest and input “body positive affirmations” to find one that matches what you need to be thankful for your body as it is. Here’s one that I like:
Do you have other ideas to help cultivate gratitude for our bodies and our health? We’d love to hear them!
