April 18, 2005

Yes... Spring has arrived.

For the ancient Taoists (now mostly frozen in bronze) it was a time to clean the temple, the vital organs, and maybe the self as well...

And for us -- why not get into shape for summer too, look and feel our best. I’m like that -- April is my favorite month for positive change all around.

When it comes to health, the Spring time -- no matter where you’re living in the world — is a time of cleansing and re-birth.



What is the ultimate means for cleansing the body?

You might be surprised to know, but its fasting.

And it’s best done in April, or at the end of the winter months.

But anytime is good.

The idea is to stay in tune with the cycle of the seasons, and we want to thrive in the summer.

For those of you who think of fasting as some sort of extreme sport reserved for health fanatics, I want to talk to you about fasting in a different light.

Fasting is truly one of the premiere health practices that can and should be incorporated into everyone’s life on a regular basis.

People who’ve never fasted for more than a day don’t know much about the health value of fasting. But fasting is an ancient practice that profoundly purifies the body.

Our bodies are 'food bodies'.

And fasting from food gives the body a rest from the constant labor of digestion and assimilation.



How to heighten your awareness, sharpen your senses, renew your energy and calm your mind...

What happens when give your body a rest from the constant round of digestion and elimination is the process of autolysis -- where the body consumes or gets rid of all its excesses, including weight and toxins.

Cells that are weak don’t survive the process, only the healthy cells continue to function, creating a renewed strength, vitality and energy

Fasting has actually been reported to be more effective than chemotherapy in reversing cancer and other diseases.

I know two people who recently reversed early stages of cancer permanently simply on a regime of periodic fasting and intelligent dietary change.

It makes sense, of course. Fasting is how we clean house.

Fasting is serious business and it purifies the body of a lot of toxic build-up from junk food, prescription drugs, alcohol, drugs, metals, pesticides and preservatives.



What happens to all the toxic garbage we put into our bodies?

Well it doesn't necessarily come out on its own.

And these toxins can (and will) remain in the body for years compromising the health of our liver, kidneys, heart and brain.

Without fasting for a period of time, your body will not have a chance to rid itself of these toxins.

Now -- you may not be ready to go on an extended fast to purify your body, but in the mean time you can start right away with a one day fast.

Anyone can safely fast one day a week without any worries.

It’s not that hard. (I know because I do it myself. And trust me, no one loves food more than I do.)



Let me give you the straight goods...

Giving your digestive process a 24 hour break once a week is such a powerful health practice that doing this alone can literally add a decade to your life span.

This is no joke.

Chinese men and women who live in Ningxia, China live well into their hundreds with a vitality that makes them look like Jack LaLane.

Regular fasting, natural herbs and no access to McDonald’s seem to be the main reasons for their happy-meal lifespan.



Can you do a one day fast?

I don’t know. Can you sit in front of a T.V. for an hour. It’s really just about as easy as that.

Ok, you can do it.

So here’s your step by step program:

Try it just one time, and you’ll be converted for life.

You want energy, stamina, beautiful skin, and the confident feeling that your finally giving those 21st century biohazards a knock-out punch?

Here it is baby. Go for it!



Here are the simple steps...

1. Go to the market and buy two gallons of pure spring water, 8 lemons, and a bottle of organic maple syrup.

2. Eat your “last meal” of the day – something light and healthy, a salad, rice and vegetables. Something that feels good.

3. Now the next morning when you arise, go to the kitchen, walk right past the coffee grinder and prepare your “fasting lemonade” for the day. If you don’t like lemonade, use grapefruits.

Juice about four lemons and strain out all the pulp. Mix the juice with a gallon of pure water.

Add maple syrup to taste. Drink a couple glasses right there in the kitchen.

4. Now shower and get ready for the day. If you catch your reflection in the mirror, say “you the man! (or lady!)”.

5. Continue to drink the gallon jug of your “fasting lemonade” on and off all morning and finish it by about 2 p.m.

6. Make your next batch then (or you could have made both batches in the morning to save time -- storing one in the fridge).

7. Drink the next batch during the day and finish it about two hours or so before bed. You’re basically drinking whenever you feel hungry, to reduce the craving and get you through the day.

8. A few times throughout the day gently massage your abdomen, exercise, do a little yoga or take a short walk or two to activate your organs and glands, helping to move the toxins through (and eventually out of) your body.

10. The next morning your fast is over.

Refresh yourself with a soothing herbal tea, and have some of your favorite fruit.

11. At lunchtime, congratulate yourself. You did it! Try not to go straight to your favourite indulgence, but eat a moderately healthy meal…


Wasn't that easy?

Now -- if you do this simple one day fast a few times a season and you will notice profound benefits.

My own confession?

I do this very fast every Sunday -- and I can tell you that it is the single most invigorating, energizing, rejuvenating and effective health practice in my regime – and I do more things for my body in a month than most do in a lifetime.

Not to brag.

But just to impress upon you the extraordinary value of giving your body a single day to enjoy a full day of rest.

That day of rest once a week can make the difference between an average life and radiant one.

(and radiance is a good thing...)

love and good health,

daniel

To reach Daniel for a complete health consultation, write to me
corinne@feelingtoinfinity.com

March 31, 2005

Last Friday I was getting my haircut at a local salon.

The woman washing hair next to me was wearing rubber gloves -- not just for dying hair, but for shampooing as well.

I asked her about it.

She said: “Shampooing all day gives me horrible rashes all over my hands. The chemicals are stronger than you think!”

This immediately jogged my memory of a phone call I got from a nutritionist friend of mine about ten years ago.

She warned me about the toxic chemicals I was putting on my head every day. This was also the year when the general media picked up on this travesty.

One might ask: Why are we still being sold carcinogenic chemicals in our personal care products?

And even more interesting -- why are we still using them?



Big Brother Is Not Watching

It took me some time to accept the fact that our government agencies -- put in place to protect us from putting very harmful substances into our bodies -- don’t do that.

Why don’t they protect us?

What are we paying them for then?

What is their motive to not protect the consumer?

You can answer all these questions (and many more) in two words: financial gain.

Statistics say that one in four of us will die of cancer, but we’ve become remarkably complacent about this fact.

We’ve accepted the rising cancer risk as part of life.

You might be surprised to know that complaints about shampoos are among the most frequent made to the FDA -- scalp irritation, swelling, severe hair loss and damage, eye infections and nerve damage are the top five.

Take a look next time you’re at your local store.

70 – 80% of the shampoos and conditioners on the shelves list no ingredients. Others have the most common synthetics listed: sodium lauryl sulfate and propylene glycol.



The Nasty Twins You’ve Brought Into Your Home

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

-- is found in 90% of all commercial shampoos
-- corrodes the hair follicle and impedes hair growth
-- blamed for many cases of premature hair loss
-- a key ingredient in engine degreaser and garage floor cleaners (nice!)
-- exposure can cause burning sensations, coughing, laryngitis, nausea and vomiting according to the Material Safety Data of the U.S. government
-- it penetrates your eyes, brain and liver
-- it compromises your immune system
-- studies have proven that this compound damages protein formation in the eye leading to cataract formation


Propylene Glycol

-- commonly used in antifreeze, latex and laundry detergents
-- can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
-- alters cell membrane leading to heart problems

Many companies also put formaldehyde in their shampoo.

Its an inexpensive preservative and disinfectant. (It is also a suspected cancer causing toxin.)



No Toto, We’re Not in Kansas Anymore... No One Is Protecting Us.

If you really want that bouncy, shiny, bubbling, sleek mane of hair that you see on all those sexy shampoo commercials, consider eliminating the toxic chemicals and doing your hair, eyes, liver, heart and brain a big favor.

Our hair products at Feeling To Infinity are all one-of-a-kind formulas that include all the benefits of pure therapeutic essential oils -- not just for the health of your hair but for the health of your body as well.

Hey Mr. FDA -- Just Say NO!

-- c

Here are some toxin-free hair products for the Revlon supermodel in all of us

March 23, 2005

Imagine for a minute, walking through an open field beside a babbling brook.

Your lover by your side, not a soul within miles.

The sun is warm, the trees are in blossom, birds are singing, you’re one with nature.

Clothes fall away, soft music begins to play, and you and your lover find yourself lying naked together in a field of … poison oak.

This was the tearful account of a friend of mine who was desperately seeking help to relieve her Jobian suffering.

She was covered in poison oak sores all over her body.

And it looked like it would be a couple of weeks before she saw any significant relief.

If you’re a diehard urbanite and your feet rarely leave pavement, this helpful tip may not be of use to you.

But if you hike, bike, bird watch or just chase down your wandering pets, you may find yourself taking home a souvenir of your wilderness adventure.

You won’t have to bore your friends with your tales of itching if you apply the right essential oils.

Peppermint applied neat or slightly diluted with V6 carrier oil will cool the heat of the sores. This will make a huge difference in your comfort level right away.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) is a miracle oil when it comes to skin eruptions of all kinds. It’s antiseptic and antiviral properties begins a healing process immediately.

Lavender is a skin healer. It reconstructs the cells, calms the skin tissue and reduces scarring to a remarkable degree.


Blends have a synergistic effect that simply can’t be found in single oils so here is the blend that you’ll want to have on hand next time you’re rolling around without a blanket.

And let me remind you that you need to be certain you’re using 100% pure therapeutic oils to avoid further irritation to the skin and to initiate real healing.


The "Melrose" Blend

Melrose has antiseptic properties and can be used topically for cleansing cuts, scrapes, burns, rashes, acne, herpes, and stressed tissue. It also aids in supporting healthy cell function. When it’s diffused, Melrose can help dispel odors and mildrew.

Ingredients:
Rosemary, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Clove, Naouli


So, don’t let a little poison oak stop you from expressing yourself next time you’re moved to run around like a new-born baby.

Just wear one of those little belt packs to carry your Melrose and Peppermint.

(And just in case you're not alone bring enough for two...)

March 23, 2005

Guest Healer
Daniel Hebert - Health and Optimum Life Coach

At age 43, singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge found a lump in her breast.

Cancer.

In an interview with Stone Phillips she said her battle with cancer was a gift:

Etheridge: “I've never known such love and good energy that is coming to me every day. Every moment.”

Phillips: “That's the gift...”

Etheridge: “A wonderful gift. I've changed my lifestyle. I’ve taken what I consider poisonous things out of my life. Out of my food, out of my work, out of my social circle, out of everything. Because I want a clean, cancer-free life. And I believe I can have that.”

Phillips: “Even as a rock star.”

Etheridge: “Even as a rock star. I know. It's a funny profession. But even as a rock star. Yeah.”

I've been following Melissa Etheridge's story over the last couple weeks. I can relate.

I’m not a famous rock star, but I once had cancer.

And I cured it.


Does the body forgive?

I sing and play guitar with a rock band, and I’ve been a performer my whole life. I’ve been an actor since I was four. And actors are a certain lot.

They have late nights, performance anxiety, years of Kraft dinners, cigarettes, booze and plenty of “lifestyle” --- you get the idea.

I always enjoyed the illusion of my sheer physical vitality.

As a young man I was never ill, never caught colds or flus and such. I could keep up long hours of work and socializing etc. — good thing I was a young pup — and got by mostly on coffee, sincere intentions and pure drive.

By the time I was 19 I was an accomplished actor in my region, and the artistic director of a reputable theatre company.

But by 24, I was so deprived of energy I thought I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or something.

I was dragging my butt all over the place. My sleep was terrible. I struggled with my weight and complexion.

I was irritable all the time, and depended more and more on stimulants to get going -- which over time had the opposite effect I was seeking.

It was ‘hello Elvis’.

Finally, I went for my first physical in a decade.

You guessed it -- I had cancer cells in my blood... and I had brain cancer!

I was shocked and depressed.

But my doctor (the late, great Michael Coyle, the leading expert in live blood, dark-field analysis in North America) told me something that most doctors didn’t seem to acknowledge:

Cancer could be reversed -- naturally and permanently.

Dr. Coyle put me on a radical fasting and juicing regime for starters. I observed a lot of strict discipline regarding diet and exercise as well. I used a radical regime of essential oils (including Clove and Helichrysum) and a variety of oil-based supplements.

I took on my new lifestyle with a do-or-die commitment. It really was a turning point moment.

In six months, I returned to the hospital to have more blood tests done.

A miracle.

Not only was I certified cancer free, but it turns out I was in the best shape of my life.


And A True, Unexpected Gift

Now -- I can’t claim to be a cancer expert. This is just my own experience and healing story.

But what I can say, is that this potentially life-ending disease brought me to a serious crossroads in my life about health and responsibility.

Like Melissa -- who went through the hell of chemo on top of it all -- I consider the experience a gift.

I learned that I, myself, had to be responsible for my ongoing health.

And no doctor -- whether alternative or conventional -- was going to ‘save’ me.

I also learned that people love me and care for me and that it wasn’t fair to them for me to risk a premature death because of my own chronic bad habits.

Cancer was a very humbling experience.

Staying Cancer-Free For Life

Today I'm no saint.

But because I truly put into practice optimal health (at best) and at least balancing out (at worst), I can stay cancer free.

And no matter what happens I will ALWAYS try natural therapies before any conventional methods -- one of which Melissa Etheridge describes so well here...


Phillips: “And following the surgery, chemotherapy.”

Etheridge: “Yes. It's the closest to death I've ever been. The chemo takes you as far down into hell as you've ever, ever been. You go to move and you can't. Every cell in your body is aching.”

Phillips: “From the chemotherapy.”

Etheridge: “From the chemotherapy, yeah..


I admire Melissa Etheridge for her strength and will, not to mention her work as an artist. I’m happy she's currently well. And I hope she stays that way.

The truth is -- anyone who wants to know can find out that there ARE, indeed, PLENTY of effective alternatives to treat cancer other than chemo and radiation.

It's not just hype or bad science.

Cancer is both caused and cured by what is happening in the body. I've observed and proven this in my own life.

Another truth?

One in four of you reading this article will die of cancer.

Here's a start in educating your way to life...

love and good health,

Daniel

Dr. Kennedy's Alternative Therapies For Cancer

(Ron Kennedy, M.D. is a friend and longtime student of my late doctor, Michael Coyle. He's an amazing resource for natural healing of every kind. Ask him about his near-death experience that inspired the cosmic paintings on the walls of his office...)

February 05, 2005

Featured Guest: Angelo Druda, Chinese Herbalist

If you’re worried about getting the flu this year, fear not. The Chinese has been winning the war against the flu for centuries.

Here’s how they do it:

Know What Season it is, and Act Accordingly

Ancient Chinese doctors taught their patients to harmonize with each season. Even though humans don’t hibernate like animals do, we should use the winter as a time to rest and rejuvenate the body during this low yang time of the year.

In the U.S., the flu season starts around the end of October, peaks in November and December and tails off in January. Last year’s influenza strain was pretty virulent. It has been mild this year so far, but the rates of infection are expected to rise dramatically in January.

You’ll want to keep your Chi (energy) vibrant and alive. So, start with retaining your Chi. The body loses heat through the head, solar plexus and feet, so its important to keep these areas covered and warm.

Get sufficient sleep. Don’t run on empty. Take short walks and move your body every day. Lots of liquids and an occasional hot bath. All good for keeping your Chi flowing and alive. Next…

Help You Immune System Drive Out Invaders

Chinese medicine offers powerful flu prevention formulas. One of these is Dispel Flu. Dispel Flu helps drive out external invaders by cooperating with your own immune system.

If you think you have any chance of getting the cold or flu this year, you may want to try Dispel Flu as a preventive measure. It can be used several times per day as a prevention and should be taken every few hours in the early stages of the flu.

If you’d like to try Dispel Flu, just write to me at the e-mail address at the bottom of this article. Its $40. plus shipping for an 8oz bottle, which should last you throughout the winter.

Kill Those Airborne Viruses 24/7

Did you know that hospitals in France and England keep their air free of micro-organisms by diffusing essential oils?

What do you think their mortality rate is from air borne infectious pathogens? Its zero.

Now what do you think it is in American hospitals where essential oils are never diffused? The mortality rate from airborne pathogens in American hospitals is in the tens of thousands.

Diffusing essential oils in your home serves 4 important functions:

* It creates an infection-free air space inside your home.
* It kills any bacteria lining the respiratory tract that you might have brought in from outside.
* It keeps any infection you might have from spreading to other members of your family.
* It constantly cleans and regenerates your compromised immune system, building your Chi throughout the day without effort.

The best oils to diffuse during the winter are Thieves or Purification. They’re the ultimate virus and bacteria killers. I have personally tested Corinne's diffuser, even in tropical conditions. It is excellent. Purification is remarkably inexpensive, and its aroma is clean and refreshing, like Thieves.

Flu Battlers… Here’s Your Summary Wisdom

The Chinese seek to build up the body’s Chi during the flu season. If you have weak Chi, you’ll get recurrent colds and flu throughout the winter. Use Dispel Flu to keep your immune and energy system up, and diffuse Thieves or Purification to constantly purify and rejuvenate your environment and body.

Reduce your stress with meditation and relaxation. Get a good night’s sleep. Wash your hands with antiseptic cleanser when you’ve been out on the town, and be sure to indulge in an occasional bowl of fresh garlic chicken and Chinese black mushroom soup!

And if you do all this and you still get sick, give me a call so we can determine exactly what you need in order to get well quickly!

All the best to you, my friend.

Angelo

you can e-mail me at: angelo_druda@adidam.org

February 05, 2005

Had a need to steal from the dead lately? Probably not, but here's some morbid information you probably won't find anywhere else on the internet. Next time you're avoiding the flu or suffering a toothache, you'll be happy to know about Thieves.

From the Graveyard to Your Medicine Cabinet

The Thieves oil blend was created from research about a group of 15th Century robbers who rubbed oils on themselves to avoid contracting the plague while pilfering jewelry from the bodies of the dead.

When caught and faced with severe punishment, these thieves disclosed the formula of herbs, spices, and oils they used to protect themselves.

In exchange, they were given more lenient punishments (though probably diabolical by today’s standards.) But we have the recipe for Thieves, so we’ll call it even.

I've had conversations about Thieves four times in the past two weeks. So I took that as a sign I should write about Thieves in this first letter to you. Thieves is like Echinacea. You don't want to be without it when you find yourself feeling the onset of a cold or flu. If you don't know about Thieves oil, let me take the pleasure of introducing it to you...

99% Kill Rate with Airborne Bacteria

When tested at Weber State University for its potent antimicrobial properties, Thieves was found to have a 99.96 percent kill rate against airborne bacteria. The oils in Thieves are antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-infectious and they help to protect the body against the flu, colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throats, skin infections… you name it.

A friend of mine has been on two regimes of antibiotics over the past month because of a gum infection. She was looking exhausted and frustrated and she ultimately refused to take any more antibiotics, despite the protestations of her doctor.

I gave her some Thieves and told her to rub it on her gums throughout the day. I also told her to diffuse it at night while she was sleeping. Within two days, her pain was gone.

Why Wait For an Appointment If You Need Help Now?

Two days later I was talking to another friend about this incident. She looked at me with curiosity that I brought it up and started in on her own love affair with Thieves.

She told me that a couple of years ago she was getting recurring flu symptoms, but wanted to wait six months before her medical insurance kicked in and she could see her doctor.

On her third bout of the flu she used Thieves on her chest and throat and her symptoms disappeared so quickly that she told her doctor about Thieves. Now he uses it will all his flu patients. Smart man.

Just last week, a friend from Vancouver called to say she just heard that she needs some major dental work done and could not afford the cost right now.

I told her about my onslaught of Thieves encounters and she pulled her bottle out of her bathroom drawer and began to use it. She still needs to have two teeth removed, but she’s no longer in pain while she waits for the surgery.

Sick Babies Can't Dance

Ok, this is the fourth and last one! This morning I was sitting outside with a friend watching her one year old toddler on the driveway dancing around and throwing stones.

I commented on how happy her baby was and she said, “yeah, you’d never know he was sick”. I started diffusing Thieves into his room two nights ago after the beginning of a bad cold and now his only symptom is a runny nose”.

After our goodbyes and a big sloppy kiss from her recently sick baby, I pulled out my own bottle of Thieves to make sure that one kiss was not going to lead to two days in bed.

Four Thieves stories in one week…strange but true.

January 19, 2005

Hormonal imbalance causes havoc to the skin. When I was fourteen my mother told me that my pimples would go away by the time I was twenty. Now I'm telling my son the same thing.

And reaching voting age is no guarantee you're free and clear (so to speak). If someone told me when I was fourteen that I'd be sharing my 16 year old's skin treatment, I never would have believed them.

Of course, now I can attribute it to hormonal changes at the end of child-bearing years rather than the beginning. How comforting is that?

There's one thing that I want to pass on to those of you out there who feel like everyone you talk to is looking directly at that pimple of your face.

Melrose is an oil blend of melaleuca, naouli, rosemary and clove. It has antiseptic-like properties which work topically for cleansing skin infections. It's very strong in the regeneration of damaged tissue. Just dab some Melrose directly on the skin a couple of times a day.

Essential oils are great for acne because of their amazing ability to kill bacteria, and preserve the acid mantle of the skin. If direct application of the oil is drying to the skin, the oil can be diluted with a carrier oil such a V6 mixing oil or grapeseed oil. It helps to keep dry skin hydrated while the healing takes place.

And while you're at it, take a few deep breathes of Melrose. You'll oxygenate your brain cells, and strengthen your immune system.

Let me know if you want me to write more about using essential oils for healthy skin and I will do that.

October 21, 2004

Arrived in Toronto last night feeling in that state where you are beyond exhaustion. You know that feeling? You’re no longer tired but you feel that the energy you have is coming from some deep reservoir that is not easily replenished and shouldn’t really be tapped in the first place.

I have a friend whose addiction to coffee depleted her adrenals. It took her many months to even begin to regain her energy back. Good to stay away from lifestyles that both over stimulate and over exhaust.

I find that I suffer from jetlag when I travel to the east more so than traveling to the west.

I read somewhere that by crossing several time zones you apparently disrupt some 50 physiological and psychological rhythms in your body. It’s no small deal.

I do this thing called twirling. Don’t ask me to explain how it works, but there’s a long scientific explanation that I read years ago. You stand with your arms held out to the sides and think of your body as the four directions with your head being North, left hand is East, right hand is West. Then you twirl in the opposite direction you have traveled.

Don’t go so fast that you feel really dizzy. Just gently twirl for as long as you can. Try one minute and work your way up. This always helps to lessen the effects of jet lag for me. I know it sounds crazy. It just does.

Another good thing to do is draw yourself a warmish bath and add 4 drops of Peppermint oil to help revive your body and mind: Its an excellent remedy for refreshing and revitalizing the physical and emotional bodies.

Ever heard of the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey?
http://www.sufism.org/society/reviews.html These God-intoxicated Sufis participate in this sacred ceremony as a form of worship of the Divine. Left hand facing toward heaven, right hand facing toward the earth, they can twirl for hours. Very beautiful thing to be witness to. Another mind-stopper for those who are new to ecstatic expressions of worship .

Learn to Twirl is where you can learn about the Sufi style of twirling. But be warned, once you’ve found your way to dance for God, you may never stop.

Daylight, full of small dancing particles
and the one great turning, our souls
are dancing with you, without feet, they dance.
Can you see them when I whisper in your ear?

The great Sufi Master, Rumi

--c.

September 27, 2004

Your physical body has its own inherent wisdom, it has knowledge that is prior to consciousness, it holds memories in its very cells, it is capable of perfect freedom, absolute happiness and utter fear.

Vital shock is a term we use in our practice to describe the state you are in when you pop into this world. From the moment of your birth until your death, you carry with you the deep and very subtle sensation of “shock”. Not just the shock of going through the birth canal but the shock of realizing independent existence and the certain ending of death that dictates our decisions and reactions to life altogether.

The cellular awareness of threat and the knowledge of your own and inevitable mortality is inherent in all of nature. Our bodies are programmed to grow old and die and we hold this knowledge in every cell.

You can “locate” this feeling of shock in one specific place: your solar plexus. You don’t necessarily recognize it but why would you. You’ve probably never been without it.

Try this:

Right now, sit back and completely relax. Relax to the point where you can really feel yourself and your body. Now, place your hand lightly over your solar plexus. You can rub your fingers lightly in a circle over the solar plexus.

If you’re sensitive, you’ll feel that that area is contracted or tight in it’s feeling. Breathe slowly into that area, expanding the stomach as you breath in and you should feel it loosen.

That is the area where we hold our “vital shock”. And in order to fully breathe, fully feel, fully conduct the energy of life --- and even to fully love – we must, over time relax our vital shock, and come to rest in deep, feeling-sensitivity.

So – that is one among many fundamental practices of the body in Buddhism. Until you become sensitive to the state of your body and mind and learn the techniques to bring them to rest, your body will be like an untrained dog, pulling you down the street oblivious of who is the master.

My own practice with vital shock involves the use of essential oils. And since that’s part of what this weblog is about, I’m going to turn you on to my own use of them. Understand how to use them. They can be your most valuable tool in becoming sensitive to your physical and mental state.

1. take your shirt off, lie back on your bed, put on some relaxing music and breath deeply.

2. utterly relax your body from head to toe. Feel the weight of your body on the bed. Allow the music to carry you and just fall into an easeful, contemplative, rested and peaceful state.

3. get out your essential oil Sara. Sara is a blend made up of white lotus oil among others, which was used by the ancient Egyptians for emotional and spiritual healing.

4. put 3-4 drops directly onto your solar plexus area and lightly rub in a clockwise, circular motion.

5. breathe into the solar plexus area with deep full breathes that expand your stomach as you breathe in and allow your feeling there to soften, expand and radiate.

6. Wait a few minutes and then rub that same area in a circular motion again.

If you go through these steps everyday for one month. You’ll feel the difference in that part of your body. You’ll become sensitive to this contraction called “vital shock” in your emotional and physical body throughout the day.

Releasing the subtle stress of vital shock and conducting feeling down through the front of your body is one of the keys to emotional balance and reception of all kinds.

Keep this area of your body balanced, relaxed and full of breath, and you will notice your ability to release reactivity, breathe before you speak, stay present in the moment, and enjoy a clear mind and silent spaces.

August 23, 2004

Over the course of the last year, I’ve replaced various "energy hit" supplements with radical essential oil applications. Certainly, there are many popular diet pills or fat burners that might be added to any aerobic or anaerobic exercise routine.

I’m a big fan of Pilates, yoga, and elliptoid training equipment. I’ve experimented with many different health products, which have given my workouts positive results. I guess I’ve been a supplements junkie of sorts, experimenting across the board with all kinds of herbs, vitamins, and substances. Here are my conclusions:

1. Ingesting a minimum-optimum amount of natural supplements as an addition to any exercise program, diet, or health regime is inherently more benign, synergistic, and effective than not doing so.

2. The body, as a rule, responds better to liquid forms of supplementation.

3. Stimulating the olfactory system generates an immediate energetic result, as opposed to the much slower delivery system of digestion.

4. The body uses far less energy absorbing healthy compounds, through the external organ of the skin versus absorption by internal organs or structures.

Any holistic training of the physical body is about producing a sustainable result. The issue with pill-swallowing is that it inevitable stresses the biosphere of the working body. Even powdered products encapsulated in gelatin represent a digestive process that may be challenging to the chaotic environment of the stomach.

Nevertheless, you can find beneficial supplements of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, etc., that I believe can be beneficial to the athlete, artist, spiritualist, or general health practitioner.

August 19, 2004

The Daze of The Dragon

After some months of denial, I have finally come to accept the fact that my personality alters for a few days due to the hormonal changes of PMS. Even though I feel perfectly normal, my husband can see what’s happening from a mile away (which is usually the distance he would prefer to take until the tides change).

I’m not a plate-thrower but I do see how my mental state becomes agitated. My mind leans toward the negative and if I observe my words they tend to dwell in the same realm. Once I get hip to what’s going on I can bring some discrimination to my state and basically ignore the content of the internal conversation.

I am humbled by the consequences of changing hormones and I have great sympathy for those who suffer more than I do. Has anyone written a paper on the percentage of marital arguments that stem from shifting hormones? Every man should consider it his obligation to monitor their partner’s menstrual cycle and learn to not take her moods too seriously for a few days. A little extra loving on stressful days can move those storm clouds out in no time.

So, here’s the thing that I found that makes all the difference for me. It’s an essential oil that balances the hormones called Dragon Time. The week before my period begins I apply it to my ankles and the bottom of my feet. I also use it as a compress on my abdomen. I’m a great test case. Every month that goes by without the imposition of nature’s emotional disruptions is a small victory. And dealing with health issues without the invasion of chemicals is a GREAT victory.

August 10, 2004

I left today on one of my biannual pilgrimages from San Francisco to Toronto to visit family. It takes three hours to get to airport, an hour and half for the full-body search, then another five hours of flying, renting a car, then another two hours to the senior's home where my mother now lives. It’s a long day.

On the flight over a young woman with an infant made her way down the isle reading each seat number as she moved along. I could see everyone thinking the same thing.

I was, torn between googling at the little angel, feeling sorry for the lady who has to travel alone with an infant and praying to God that you don’t have a screaming baby beside you for five hours. She eventually slowed to a stop right at my seat. I decided to accept my fate and enjoy googling for a while.

We had a particularly turbulent flight for some reason. In fact, it was the worst turbulence I think I’ve ever experienced. The baby was sleeping through the whole thing, but the woman and I started checking to see if the little throw-up bags were in our seat pockets.

I’ve never had to actually use one but when something wants to come out of your body against your will, you don’t have much time to worry about losing face.

It suddenly occurred to me that I had a tiny bottle of Lavender oil in my bag and started urgently rooting around to find it before it was too late. After I opened the bottle and inhaled some long deep breaths, she did the same and within less than a minute or two, our stomachs were calm and the blood was returning to our faces. I was as surprised as she was by how fast it worked to turn around such a sick feeling.

The woman with the baby didn’t know anything about essential oils so I gave her what little was left of my lavender oil.

Yes, it was the perfect opportunity to do a pitch for my essential oil business. “Hey little lady, let me tell you how you can change your life with the power of essential oils. Here’s my card, check out my website…, in fact, you can receive a free plastic tote bag if you call within the hour…” Doing a sales pitch to the person sitting beside me on an airplane is really not my style. I have sales-pitchaphobia.

I did tell her it was a really good thing to use in her baby’s bathwater to help calm her, or for diaper rash, or cuts. I didn’t know about Lavender oil either when my son was an infant. A new mother needs all the confidence she can get.

--c.