New Partner After Feng Shui Consultation
November 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
I have finally found the perfect words to describe the changes in my life after Amanda came into my home and performed her Magic… Really that’s what it is. I would describe my life before Feng Shui as very balanced and happy, but I did not have that special someone in my life and had been single for the last three years. My bedroom happened to be my love area; there was nothing in there that promoted a partnership in my life. Amanda told me very important changes I needed to incorporate into my home. I am not even joking or exaggerating but literally two weeks later I met my present husband, and he has just added to my already beautiful life.
Nichola Davenport, Real Estate Investor
Client of Amanda M Collins
Feng Shui Consulting by Amanda Collins
Certified Feng Shui Designer
www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/Amandacollins
Holistic Tip of the Day: Top Ten Tips For Using Feng Shui for Love!
November 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
1. Remove clutter
When you get rid of clutter, you are making room for romance. If you are single, create an empty space in your closet for a future lover’s things. If attached, make room in your drawers and closets so there is equal space for both you and your partner’s possessions.
2. No TV or Exercise Equipment!
Keep the TV out of the bedroom. Any electronic equipment should be placed in the office or other area of the home. A TV in the bedroom is not conducive to romance. The bedroom is for lovin’ not work. A treadmill or workout machine in the bedroom makes your relationship exhausting.
3. Always have things in pairs
Replace mismatched night tables with a set to encourage equality in your relationship. Have a pair of lights show you want to share your life and home with your loved one.
4. Decorate your room in the right color
Shades of pink helps draw love to you easily and create a romantic mood. Red, used sparingly, can be a sexy, bold color that creates passion or help draw a new lover.
5. Check the statues and art in your bedroom
Replace any photos, sculptures or art of single people or figures. Replace them with happy couples. This simple change will help draw a wonderful partner! You should discard or put away photos and momentous of old flames. Gifts and anything with the ex’s energy on it, keeps new love at bay.
6. Bed placement
having your bed up against a wall, pushes away your chance for love. You should have your bed positioned so there is enough space to walk on either side. Not in line with the door but being able to see the door as you sleep.
7. The size of your bed matters!
If you are single a single mattress is not a good idea or snoozing on a king size or single mattress doesn’t encourage romance. There’s too much space. Sleeping on a huge mattress won’t encourage intimacy. Invest in a full size or a queen. What’s under your bed affects your sleep.
8. Satin sheets
Think of sensual, soft, bedding when selecting pillows, sheets and comforters. Any type of bedding that creates a cozy environment is great for the bedroom
9. Rose quartz
Buy chunks of rose quartz, rose quartz hearts, rose quartz lamps and place them in your bedroom. This stone is known to draw love into your life, increase self love and help heal a broken heart.
10. Personal photos
don’t display family and kid photos in the bedroom. This is said to hinder your sex life. Put them in the living or family room where they belong!
Set the mood - the mood in the bedroom is important too
Light scented candles, drape your lamps in sheer fabrics or lace. Keep lighting soft. Play romantic music.. Place “happy” photos of you and your honey on the dresser.
Amanda M Collins
Feng Shui Consulting by Amanda Collins
Certified Feng Shui Designer
www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/Amandacollins
Testimonials for Celebrated Feng Shui Expert, Cathleen McCandless
November 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Hi Cathleen-
I think of you often and give thanks often for your coming into my life. I believe that you like to hear about success stories. I have to tell you that from the time you came to our home last year our financial success has blossomed. From that moment forward the flood gates opened. This year has been unbelievably successful. I also was finally able to find a contractor to complete an exterior restoration project that came out beautifully. Prior to that, the project was started and stalled several times over 4 years due to an inability to find someone to take on the job.
Additionally since your visit to my husband’s office he has a new, energetic, vital team and he is thrilled. We know this is a result of your help. There is a feeling as if a huge ‘weight’has been lifted and everything has been so much more successful.
Thank you again, Cathleen. You are very special.
Sincerely,”
J. K., Coronado, California
“I discovered Cathleen when perusing the web in search of a feng shui expert I could trust. I’m glad I called this West Coast-based woman since she has plenty of clients in New York and is happy to schedule New York consultations. With Cathleen’s help, my home on the upper west side of Manhattan, has been transformed into a peaceful, comfortable, lovely space to live and work. Cathleen’s recommendations were excellent and surprisingly affordable. People often make comments about how good it feels to be in my home. Another benefit… I’ve doubled the revenues in my business since taking Cathleen’s advice. I highly recommend her.”
A. H., New York City
“I am the president of a large corporation. Our business was in decline and my health was suffering also. When Cathleen came in to Feng Shui our main office, I was skeptical at first. She had so many wonderful, practical suggestions, that I was just amazed. She also discovered that there was a very high electromagnetic field in my personal office space. After moving into another office space with a safe electromagnetic field, my vitality and health has returned, and our business profits are way up. I am now a firm believer in the benefits of Feng Shui!”
A.B., San Diego, California
“Our company had been struggling financially. In desperation we called Cathleen on recommendation from a business client of ours. Within twenty-four hours of our consultation, the phones began ringing off the hook. CBS News even contacted us to do a segment on our business. Our business is now thriving and I am certain it was the result of our Feng Shui appointment and Cathleen’s expertise.”
C.A., San Diego, California
“We were moving into our new home and wanted to make it as excellent and supportive for our goals as possible. Cathleen’s suggestions were invaluable in creating a beautiful, supportive environment for our family. Our friends are always commenting on how comfortable and what good energy our home has. We are thrilled with the results we have seen as a result of our consultation.”
H.M., Rancho Santa Fe, California
“Cathleen was the guest speaker at one of our conventions which was held in San Diego for a group of leading East Coast dentists. The topic was “Feng Shui in a Dental Office”. At first the dentists scoffed at the subject, but Cathleen was such an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker, within just a few minutes the dentists were frantically taking notes and totally involved in the subject matter. Everyone agreed it was the best presentation of the entire three-day conference.”
J.S., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
“Ever since we moved into our home my family’s health, vitality, and overall happiness had declined. Almost immediately after putting into practice the Feng Shui enhancements Cathleen suggested, our home became a happy, healthy, loving place. Our finances and marriage have also improved greatly. We feel so fortunate that Cathleen came in and helped us when she did. Our lives have been so enriched as a result of her help.”
M.O., Encinitas, California
“Cathleen’s workshops and classes are so informative and entertaining. I can’t believe how much I have learned and how quickly the time went by. I didn’t want the class to end.”
R.B., La Jolla, California
Clients of Cathleen McCandless
Feng Shui Practitioner
La Jolla, CA
www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/cathleen
Holistic Tip Of The Day: Chinese Medicine and The Common Cold
November 28, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Fall is hear and winter is near! Keep your scarf on until summer screams! The back of the neck is the Taiyang region of the body from a Chinese medical perspective. This is where wind and cold enter the body and lead to what we know as the common cold. Covering your neck with a scarf through the windy and cold seasons of Fall, Winter and Spring is a great way to help prevent “catching” a cold. . . try it!
Dara Barr L.Ac.
New York Acupuncture
Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist
New York, NY
www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/iamdarabarr
Holistic Tip of the Day: Water, Digestion, and Enzymes
November 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
“Water should be your drink of choice in every situation.”
Stroke Complications Overcome With Feldenkrais Method
November 27, 2007 | Leave a Comment
My right foot has suffered from neuropathy resulting from a stroke I suffered four years ago. By the fall of 2006, this neuropathy had progressed to the point that I did not feel comfortable walking. My right foot would give out on me, without warning and I would stumble. I considered carrying a cane, but chose to consult with Michael Wesson instead. After just 2 visits, Michael had coached me to a dramatic improvement. He recommended exercises designed to increase my lower torso mobility and coached me back to a traditional amble. With Michael’s guidance, I replaced the gait that I had developed in compensation for the neurological damage caused by the stroke. My new gait is balanced and confident. I would heartily recommend Michael’s skill as a Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner. His work has allowed me to walk with confidence.
Dr. Brian McKenzie, University Professor
Client of Michael Wesson
Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Fresno, CA
www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/movementsolutions
EFT and Hypnosis for Chronic Pain
November 26, 2007 | Leave a Comment
In this article I report a case that uses a combination of two novel forms of psychotherapy, Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy (HHC) and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), to treat chronic pain. Hypnotherapy has a long history in treating chronic pain. The results of this case also suggests considering acupressure meridians as an adjunct treatment with chronic pain conditions.
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Case Study
The patient was a 45 year-old female who was referred for pain management. She had complained of excruciating lower and middle back pain for the past two years. As a result of the pain she was unable to work consistently and reported having trouble in her marital relationship. She had not responded well to medical treatment and the physician felt hypnosis and therapy would be appropriate.
At the initial interview I found that the patient had apparent high level of intellectual and psychological functioning. She stated that she was occasionally mildly depressed and anxious. Depression and anxiety corresponded to the back pain and accompanying stress. She reported no other psychiatric disorder. As a part of her pain management program she agreed to Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy (HCH).
During the induction phase of the hypnotherapy she became visibly upset. She stated that the pain was spreading from her lower back down to her buttocks, upper back, and reported pain sensations in her hands. She reported that it was a 10 (on a scale from 0-10 highest). We went to the working phase of the session where she regressed immediately to a scenario when she was a child (5-6 years of age) being beat with a leather strap by her raging alcoholic father.
The patient quickly gathered herself emotionally and reported in a small yet stern voice that she continued to experience intense back pain. When queried further she reported excruciating pain and injunctions from her father that she “would get it worse the more she cried or complained.” The patient froze and stated that she could not do any release work because of the pain. She immediately went to an anchored safe/relaxing place. During the respite she agreed to a trial of what was characterized as acupressure desensitization to help ally the intense pain and fear she was experiencing and enable her to get some energetic movement.
After finger tapping activations of her acupressure meridians, she reported a shift in her pain that allowed her to return to the scenario and begin the release work. Following brief release work she reported some minor relief in the back pain but complained that she might not be able to move forward in the process. Another series of taps created a shift in her pain and she again continued with the release part of the therapy. Several more rounds of acupressure desensitization helped facilitate more release until she came to resolution and relief from back pain with this particular scenario.
The patient followed up for more sessions of Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and reported tremendous relief from back pain, lowered anxiety and depression, and has worked consistently at her job.
Overview of pain, hypnosis and EFT
Alternative and complimentary therapies can be an ideal avenue and adjunct to more traditional medical treatments. The medical establishment are increasingly aware of the mind-body relationship, the role of attitudes and emotions in medical disorders, and that many disorders need a multimodal interdisciplinary approach. Cognitive and behavioral interventions such as relaxation training, biofeedback, and hypnosis have been the core of adjunctive treatments for the management of pain.
Pain is multifaceted with both physiological and psychological factors. Goldberg (1994) found rates of prior abuse up to 47% in chronic pain patients, compared to control rates of 15% to 20%. Chronic pain has been thought to represent a somatified form of PTSD (VanderKolk, 1994). In the trauma survivor, physiological responses or somatic flashbacks are exacerbated when environmental cues are triggered. As VanderKolk’s patient remarked, “the body keeps the score.”
The treatment of PTSD has utilized mind-body therapies. Hypnosis has been used consistently with good results by ameliorating physiological, psychological, and dissociative symptoms. Release techniques and cognitive restructuring then allows the client to revisit traumatic memories while simultaneously modulating physiological arousal.
Another alternative therapy used to treat PTSD is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). EFT was developed by Gary Craig after training with Roger Callahan who developed Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Craig transformed and simplified the TFT procedure. EFT is a meridian based technique that works by tapping on a series of points on the body that correspond to acupuncture points in the energy meridian system. The meridian system is the conduit between the energy field and the physical body. When there are blockages in the energy field, there are corresponding disruptions in flow of energy through the meridian system. Mountrose (2000) states that “these blockages are, in turn, reflected in the unconscious patterns (thoughts and emotions) in the mind and in the functioning of the physical body” (p. 26). The emotional shock of PTSD is “stuck” in the subtle energy system of the human body (meridian system). EFT releases blockages in the meridian system, mind, body, and in more subtle levels of the energy field.
The patient’s chronic pain was an experience traversing the physical, mental, and emotional realms (spiritual realm was dealt with in subsequent sessions). The patient did not have the ability to see beyond the pain until the energetic blockages were manipulated allowing clarity of vision of the true origins of the pain. The combination of HCH and EFT helped the patient move from excruciating pain that suppressed her vitality to sense of well-being, from painful unresolved emotions to joy in life, and from limiting beliefs and limited opportunities to feeling a part of a unified whole. Although this case may be anomalous for sufferers of chronic pain the combination of HCH and EFT appears worthy of further investigation.
Using Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique in dealing with chronic pain.
H. Ray Wooten. Journal of Heart Centered Therapies. Spring 2002
H. Ray Wooten is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Services at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.
References
Goldberg, R. (1994). Childhood abuse, depression and chronic pain. Clinical Journal of Pain, 10, 277-281.
Mountrose, P., & Mountrose, J. (2000). Getting thru to your emotions with EFT. Sacramento, CA: Holistic Communications.
Vanderkolk, B. (1996). The body keeps the score: Memory and evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 1, 253-264.
H. Ray Wooten, Ph.D., St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, TX
I’ve heard that stress raises cortisol which in turn makes me gain weight. How can I learn more about this and what can I do about it?
November 20, 2007 | 1 Comment
Michelle Wood, Stress Management Consultant: Everyone needs some cortisol, but stress raises the levels of this hormone to unhealthy levels. At these higher levels, cortisol can cause weight gain as well as other undesirable effects such as higher blood pressure, imbalances in blood sugar levels, and immune system suppression. On my blog there is more detailed information and some holistic methods you can use to keep cortisol levels down. (Laughter is one of the best ways to reduce cortisol!)
Michelle Wood
Be Well With Michelle, Naturally!
Stress Management Consultant, Holistic Relaxation Therapist, Qigong Instructor
Bend, Oregon
www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/michelle
Good Old Gluten Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese
November 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
1 pkg. (16 oz.) Gluten Free macaroni (any shape or size is fine)
½ cup of organic butter
½ cup of corn starch
1 teaspoon of sea salt
¼ teaspoon of pepper
A couple of pinches of paprika (eyeball it)
1 ½ cups of frozen peas
2 scallions chopped
4 cups of organic milk
4 cups of grated organic cheese
2 large organic tomatoes, thinly sliced
¼ cups of Gluten Free Bread Crumbs (preferably from The Grainless Baker)
½ cup of steamed pureed butternut squash (optional)
Yield: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Time: 15 Minutes
1. Preheat oven to 375F. Cook macaroni as directed on package.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Stir in corn starch, salt, pepper and paprika until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boiling, stirring. Reduce heat, and simmer mixture for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in 3 cups of cheese, incorporating a half a cup at a time until melted, add the scallions, peas and butternut squash and stir until smooth and thick.
4. Pour mixture over macaroni and into a deep casserole. Arrange tomato slices over the top. Sprinkle remaining cup of cheese along with Bread Crumbs over top.
5. Bake 15 minutes, or until cheese is golden brown.
Christie A Korth CHC, BSHN, AADP
Happy & Healthy Wellness Counseling
Certified Holistic Health Counselor/Holistic Nutritionist
Huntington, NY
http://www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/ckorth
Holistic Nutritionist Christie Korth Overcame Celiac and Crohn’s
November 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
In my life, I have struggled with the diagnosis of Crohn’s Disease as well as Celiac Disease and have successfully nursed myself back to health without having to rely on medications, after a long battle of illness.
I have had digestive problems since age 9, without a clear cut diagnosis until I was 19, despite my mother dragging me from doctor to doctor. Over the ten year period where I was struggling to come to a diagnosis, my symptoms would come and go. There were periods of time where I would be fine that could stretch on for weeks, maybe months. But sometimes, my stomach would act up in manner that was unbearable, for no definite period of time. I missed a considerable amount of school as a child due to varied digestion problems. No matter what I would eat, my “tummy” would always hurt. I had been curious all my life, constantly asking myself “What the hell is going on in there?” And even as a sassy little 9 year old, with my fathers natural health books in tow, I would question why my doctors could not figure out what was wrong with me. It was not until I entered college that my digestion became so out of control to the point where I could no longer eat without vomiting afterwards. Try having an active and normal social life when you fell like Barfo-The-Clown…
Needless to say, I felt things were spiraling out of control for me. I eventually dropped from a healthy 135lbs to just about 100. My doctor became frantic for a diagnosis and after many, many tests….
Finally, after 10 LONG years, my Doctor found the culprit! I am probably the only person in history who practically fell out of my hospital bed and danced when I found out I had Crohn’s disease. Knowledge is power, and I felt I finally had the power of knowing how to help myself. But, boy, I did not have it easy. Because it took so long to diagnose me, my intestines were in pretty bad shape. I was constantly in the hospital for awhile and over 2 years, tried over 20 conventional therapies that failed for me. From steroids that made me blow up like a cow to the junk they prescribe you for anthrax, my doctor prescribed it! I told people that my pocketbook was like a walking drugstore, and you know what? I still felt like crap!
But then one day, everything changed for me. I was in the hospital, getting an infusion of Remicade for the Crohn’s and a woman who was also getting an infusion turned to me and said, “Read The Maker’s Diet by Jordan Rubin and you will be okay.” That was it, she said nothing else, and then she got up to leave the hospital. As odd as that was for me at that time, All I have to say is: I would certainly not be doing the job I am doing today, had that woman not lead me to read that book. So I thank that women, she was an angel, I have no doubt. From what I had been told quite a few times, I should not even be alive. Considering, I survived through several near death experiences, each one shocking all of my doctors alike. Had I not listened to that woman, who knows what would have happened. I am still known affectionately at my doctor’s office for being “the girl with the big yellow folder”, boasting the biggest file in the practice.
Because I have been blessed with the ability of conquering my own life health obstacles, public health is now my life’s mission. After being inspired by The Maker’s Diet, I vowed to become a human sponge and read health books like a monster. During this process, I learned more and more about my diagnosis until I became a powerhouse of knowledge. I even went on later to discover on my own that I had Celiac disease. Coming across the Celiac was the missing piece of the puzzle that had been missing for so long. It is a blessing that I finally found true and pure health, after a total of 15 long years of waiting. But I say this with the utmost of seriousness, although my health struggles have been bittersweet, to me they symbolize a beautiful part of my life. My struggles gave me the ability to help those seeking to find their own health. And that alone, has made the past all the more worth its weight in gold. Helping people achieve Happy & Healthy Wellness is my mission in life. I plan to go out in the world and raise awareness not only to Crohn’s and Celiac diseases, but the overall failing health in America. I just want people to be given the opportunity to live healthy and complete lives in today’s crazy fast-paced world.
In my education, I have learned over 40 different dietary theories and have been exceptionally trained in the field of Holistic Nutrition. Currently, I hold a Bachelors Degree of Science in Holistic Nutrition with the Clayton College of Natural Health in Birmingham, AL. I am presently in the process of working on my Masters Degree with Clayton. I am also Certified in Integrative Nutrition with Columbia University’s Teachers College and have obtained certification through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. I also completed a comprehensive training program with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in NYC, certifying me as a health counselor. I have been trained by some of the best in the alternative health industry including Marion Nestle, Head of Public Nutrition at NYU, as well as Dr. Andrew Weil, who is renowned in The Natural Health field for his findings. Further, I have completed training with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. With CCFA, I am currently a group leader for those patients who are newly diagnosed with either disease. As a group leader, I address popular concerns with both illness and assist those in developing valuable methods to controlling an otherwise chronic illness.
HHWC is affiliated with both the CCFA and The Suffolk County Celiacs.
Christie A Korth CHC, BSHN, AADP
Happy & Healthy Wellness Counseling
Certified Holistic Health Counselor/Holistic Nutritionist
Huntington, NY
http://www.holisticwellness.com/profiles/ckorth