Why Cleanse?

Guest Author; Melinda Baxter

Everywhere you turn these days there is information to be had and products to be purchased for cleansing. Most of instinctively realize that a cleanse could be a good thing for us. Most of us eat too much sugar and processed foods and drink more alcohol than is recommended by the FDA. So what does a cleanse actually accomplish and should you do one? I’ve done a myriad of cleanses personally so I know what I like to offer as a Health Coach. For me a cleanse is a way to calm inflammation in the body first and foremost. Many of us have inflammation in our bodies that we can’t necessarily feel. Systemic inflammation is the precursor to so many modern diseases ranging from Cancer to M.S. By reducing inflammatory foods our body can begin to repair itself and heal systems that are being taxed by the inflammation. A primary system that becomes damaged by our lifestyles and diets is the digestive system. Doing a whole foods based cleanse that allows you to eat and not starve but still reduce inflammation and reduce or remove negative symptoms is a lovely gift to your body!

January Cleanse: https://m.facebook.com/events/342569729218325


Melinda Baxter is a CHHC, CYT, LMT, FDN practicing in Woolwich, ME. To learn more about her and her cleanses please go to www.melindabaxter.com.

Surf To Heal

Guest Author Daniel Bolton, LMHC

Sometimes a problem has been a problem for so long it is difficult to recognize it. Even if you do recognize it the idea, alone, feels overwhelming. It’s also possible that you've thought about it for so long or that it is part of a repetitive pattern of thinking, that sitting around and talking about it, in and of itself, may not be enough to shake things up and get things moving in your life. In fact, if it is part of an anxiety process, talking about it repetitively may make the anxiety worse. Exercise has been shown in extensive research, some using brain scans, to significantly reduce anxiety.



As a therapist I can recommend every client that in addition to regular talk therapy they also take action and get into an exercise routine, and advise that those with low confidence in themselves do something they had in their mind they'd never be able to do. Changing the whole scene where we do the work, and actively applying these strategies is another option, which is what I've been doing most recently with Surf to Heal. I find that clients’ motivation outside the session wanes and it has long been documented that lack of progress in therapy is related to clients not applying similar recommendations independently outside of the session.



Part of the concept behind Surf to Heal is that immersing oneself in the water, and being part of the process of nature is healing in and of itself. This is also a concept inherent in Adventure Therapy, which has become quite popular in the last decade. Outside of the the inherent therapeutic effects of being in the ocean or connecting with nature, surfing is a great metaphor for life and overcoming hardships involved in it. It takes persistence and teaches each surfer, novice and veteran alike, that each challenge is an opportunity to either give up or learn from and become stronger. Surfing is also a great way to overcome fear. Who is not afraid being out in the open ocean, especially when a wave is walling up in front of you, while you are out there alone floating on a board. I believe most people think surfing is something they are not able to do. I certainly had this thought, but by going out and doing it, even on my worst days when all I did was fall, I overcame many self-limiting beliefs. Surfing was a large part of my own healing process a few years ago. Bottom line, why would I not make available something that I found so profoundly healing to others just because it seemed out of the norm?



My life and my practice is about overcoming fear, pain and adversity and coming out a stronger and more resilient person from it. This is what I want to share with people in need of guidance to navigate the fear, pain, and adversity they've experienced in their own life. I certainly don't believe that surfing can heal all wounds in and of itself, but there are certainly a lot of people who feel this way. In combination with guidance from a therapist, there is amazing potential to provide what people need to heal.

Daniel Bolton, LMHC

Surf To Heal

Do you struggle with your weight and don’t know why?

 Dosha Quiz

Guest Author; Claudia Richey

This is one of the most common complaints I hear in my practice.

Weight issues and obesity have become an epidemic in our hemisphere. Most weight loss programs are a band aid that delivers a temporary fix with results that won’t last.

Yet your soul already knows there is a better solution to the problem.

Introducing Ayurveda. This ancient healing system from India has identified that there are different body types which react differently to food, lifestyle, and surroundings. Each of these body types, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, gain weight for different reasons, carry it in different areas of their body, and have different challenges in maintaining a healthy weight.

The Vata type, when unbalanced, tends to carry more weight around the hips, thighs, and lower abs. Pitta puts it on evenly, where as Kapha tends to gain it all round the torso and midsection.

Each of these types responds to different dietary measures, there is no one-fits-all approach.

Someone aiming to achieve a healthy body weight should follow a clean diet of fresh and easy to digest foods, including warm soups, stews and porridges. Avoiding processed food is just as important as getting nutrients from vibrant fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

To activate healthy digestion and a sluggish metabolism, try this tea that’s appropriate for all three Dosha Types:

Boil one liter of water with 1 tsp each crushed Fennel, Cumin and Coriander seed. Add 2-3 pieces of thinly sliced fresh Ginger. Let the tea simmer for ten minutes. Remove from heat and add Green Tea, 1 teabag or 1 tsp lose tea. Let steep for another 5 minutes, then fill your tea into a thermos and sip throughout the day.

Finding and maintaining your ideal body weight doesn’t have to be a struggle. Knowing your body and who you are plays a big role in your success.

Use your challenges and turn them into an enjoyable journey to discovering yourself!

By Claudia Richey, AWC, R.PT., R.AT., NWS, RYT

http://www.doshafit.com

Take the Dosha quiz to begin your path to a new you! 

Dosha Quiz

Authentic Ayurvedic Body Treatments ~ A Guide to Get You Started

Guest Author; Christiane Erspamer

Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old healing system from India. The foundation of traditional Ayurveda is the belief that everything in the universe is composed of five elements: air, fire, earth, water, and ether, which intermix to form three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) that govern a person's body type, mental and emotional characteristics, and personality. Here is a brief introduction to some of the Ayurvedic treatments available today!



Abhyanga: A traditional Ayurvedic massage to bring balance to the doshas, increase circulation, and aid detoxification.

Garshana: The therapist wears raw silk gloves, briskly massaging the client. This vigorous treatment increases circulation, energy, toxin removal, and weight loss.

Kati basti: A massage using heat and specific medicated oils to address low-back pain and rigidity of the lower spine.

Pinda: The client is massaged using muslin bags full of rice, milk, and herbs. This is very relaxing and has a particular and unmistakable fragrance.

Pizzichilli: Large amounts of warm oil are poured over the body while the therapist performs massage. This treatment decreases muscle pain and brings flexibility to joints.

Swedana: An herbal steam treatment usually given after a massage. It is used for detoxification and balancing for vata and kapha types.

Udvartana: An invigorating massage delivered with the application of herbal paste, which increases circulation, stimulates weight loss, supports detoxification, and cleanses, exfoliates, and tones the skin.

Christiane Erspamer of Holistic Path, Licensed Massage Therapist, 

Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified Panchakarma Technician  

*For more on Christiane and Holistic Path visit http://holisticpathduluth.com