Chakras- Seven Major Energy Centers

The crown chakra

Color: violet

Location: top of the head

Purpose:  Intuitive knowledge, spirituality, integration

Governing: top center of the head to, midline above the ears

Gemstones: amber, diamond, molavite

Flower Essences: lotus, angelica, star tulip

Third eye chakra

Color: indigo

Location: center of the forehead

Purpose: center of thought, action of ideas, insight, mind development

Governing: brain, n.s., eyes, ears, nose, pituitary, pineal gland

Gemstone: purple fluorite, sugalite, lapis

Flower Essences: wild oat, queen anne’s lace

Throat chakra

Color: blue

Location: throat, neck region

Purpose: learning to take responsibility for one’s needs

Governing: throat, thyroid, trachea, neck vertebrae, mouth , teeth, gums, esophagus, parathyroid, hyperchelemus

Gemstone: chrysocola, lapis, blue opal

Flower Essence: cosmos, trumpet vine, larch

Heart Chakra

Element: air

Color: green-pink

Location: center of chest

Purpose: emotional empowerment, seat of vital element, goodwill and natural understanding of feeling

Governing: heart, circulatory sys, blood, lungs, rib cage, diaphragm, thymus, breasts, esophagus, shoulders, arms, hands

Gemstone: rose quartz, malachite, emerald

Flower essence: holly, poppy, California wild rose

Solar Plexus chakra

Element: fire

Color: yellow

Location: solar plexus, rib cage point of lungs

Purpose: energy fxning, life force and mental understanding of emotional life

Governing: upper abdomen, umbilicus to rib cage, liver, gb, mid spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, sm. intestine, stomach

Gemstone: jasper, golden topaz, yellow tourmaline

Flower Essence: chamomile, golden yarrow, peppermint

Hara Chakra

Element: water

Color: orange

Location: 3 fingers below navel

Purpose: emotional connection w/individuals as well as universe

Governing: sexual organs, stomach, upper intestine, liver, gb, kidney, pancreas, adrenals, spleen, mid spine

Gemstone: garnet, moonstone orange tourmaline

Flower Essence: Indian paintbrush, lady’s slippers, hibiscus

Root Chakra

Element: earth

Color: red

Location: base of spine

Purpose: kinaesthetic feelings, mvmnt, blood circulation, skeletal stability

Governing: spinal column, legs, feet, rectum, immune sys, blood circulation, skeleton

Gemstone: quartz, black tourmaline, hermatite, onyx

Flower Essence: corn, clemantis, rosemary

Balance your Chakras

The goal is to have the seven chakras in alignment so the universal life force energy can flow smoothly, and in harmony from one chakra to the next.

The Chakra	The Comment or Visible Action
The Crown	I acknowledge the Spirit as a major component of my life.
The Brow	I trust myself currently and in any future actions.
The Throat	I communicate with others honestly and with compassion.
The Heart	I allow myself to give and receive love without any intent or obligation from another or individuals.
The Solar Plexus	I am responsible for my life therefore I am responsible for my own decisions.
The Sacral	I safely express and experience joy.
The Root	I acknowledge that I am healing myself.

"But I think it’s very healthy to spend time alone. 

You need to know how to be alone and not be defined by another person." 

Olivia Wilde

No (Canned) Soup For You!!

A new study done at Harvard, showed that after eating
Progresso canned soup for 5 days BPA levels were 1,200 times
higher than in those who ate fresh soups.

The chemical bisphenol A is used in the lining of canned foods
and has been linked to cancer, heart disease, reproductive
abnormalities, and many other health issues.

http://www.takepart.com/article/2011/11/23/no-canned-soup-you

Support Licensing of Naturopathic Doctors!

The Optimal Health Food Pyramid

FOODS TO AVOID ENTIRELY

Refined white flour products: pastas, cakes, muffins,

pretzels, etc.

Refined sugar-loaded cereals, candies, baked goods,

etc.

Processed foods packed full of empty calories (sugar

and fat) or salt (eg, soups, theater-style popcorn,

chips, etc.)

Margarine, butter, and shortening

Smoked or cured meats: bacon, hot dogs, smoked

Meats cooked at extremely high temperatures or cooked

Heavily sweetened or artificially sweetened soft drinks,

Fried foods, including French fries, potato chips, corn

luncheon meats, sausages, ham, spam, etc.

to well done

Kool-Aid, juice-flavored drinks, etc.

chips, and doughnuts

from the Textbook of Natural Medicine

no stress=no disease?

In Clinical Physical Diagnosis class, Dr. Thom lectured on neurological
disorders. When he covered Alzheimer's Disease he told us that 
nearly all patients with Alzheimer's Disease no longer have any 
health problems, that they previously suffered from. 
They reach a state of dementia and just exist- basic survival
mechanisms intact, no more stress. 
It is so often overlooked how stress impacts our lives, not 
only our emotions and behavior but our physical health as well.  
Living in a society that takes care of business first and our own 
well-being second, chronic diseases have become an epidemic. 

No time for yoga, running, meditation? Stress management
can be as easy as monitoring and changing your self
talk. Researchers have found that positive self talk and optimism

have many health benefits, including an increased life span.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/positive-thinking/SR00009

COFFEE

Coffee has become “the best part of waking up” for the majority of American

households. It is best to discuss coffee’s benefit/risks in your life and health with

your doctor, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

One of the primary reasons coffee enthusiasts consume this beverage daily is for the

effects of the caffeine. Caffeine is an alkaloid that occurs naturally in the coffee bean.

It is a stimulant, which means physiologically your heart rate will increase, along

with blood pressure. It is also well known that it affects your mental state, elevates

mood, and reduces fatigue.

Other compounds in coffee include chlorogenic acids, minerals such as magnesium,

potassium, niacin, phytoestrogens, vitamin E, and the phytochemical, trigonelline.

Chlorogenic acid is attributed with the antioxidant properties of coffee. The

phytoestrogens have been shown to alter glucose metabolism and consequently

been shown to decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in many

epidemiological studies. This anti‐diabetic effect has also been observed with

decaffeinated coffee consumption. In addition, the phytochemical, trigonelline has

been shown to have a hypoglycemic effect in studies with diabetic rats. Coffee has

also been shown to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer, gallstones, and

Parkinson’s disease.

On the negative side, coffee contains diterpenes, which have been shown to increase

LDL (bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol levels. Diterpenes are abundant when

made in a French press, Turkish and Scandinavian varieties. On the other hand, if

you use a filter, it appears that these compounds are removed through the filtering

process.

If you experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, headache, or

depression you may want to consider an alternative, such as an herbal tea. It is also

necessary to point out that it is very important to make sure you are drinking an

adequate amount of pure water throughout the day, as coffee does not count

towards your water intake. Or if you consume coffee in excess or too late in the day

you may experience insomnia, anxiety, the jitters, and difficulty concentrating.

Whenever you become physically dependent on a substance in order to function on

a day‐to‐day basis, it is unhealthy and your naturopath can help you transition back

into a state of balance.

What are the benefits of using castor oil packs?

Castor oil packs are essential to any treatment protocol, as therapy for major illnesses and everyday problems to maintenance of health.  Castor oil’s effectiveness is attributed to it’s unusual chemical composition of 90% ricinoleic acid. Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid that is anti-inflammatory and prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and viruses.  When castor oil is absorbed through the skin the lymphocyte count increases, the cells of the immune system that protect the body against disease and fight infections.

Castor oil packs also stimulate the lymphatic system, improving lymph flow and increase the removal of toxins, cleansing the tissues. Many problems can occur when lymph drainage is slow. Cells accumulate toxins and metabolic waste, the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the cell is decreased, which can lead to destruction of the cells and compromise the body’s functional capabilities.  When the lymphatic system is functioning optimally, toxicity is reduced and there is an overall improvement in organ function. This allows for better assimilation of nutrients and a decrease in inflammation. The removal of cellular waste products is essential for health.

Castor oil packs are made by applying the oil to a piece of flannel and placing the cloth on the abdomen, over the liver. The cloth should be covered with a sheet of plastic and a hot water bottle for 60 minutes everyday, or minimally in sequences of 3 days in a row. It should be noted that castor oil stains clothes, so be sure to use old clothes. A great compliment to castor oil packs is dry skin brushing.

"A human being is part of a whole, called by us the 'universe', a part 
limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts 
and feelings, as something separate from the rest 
- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.
This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our 
personal desires and to affectation for a few people near us.
Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening 
our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the 
whole of nature in its beauty."
Albert Einstein

what's in YOUR makeup?

MYTH: The government prohibits dangerous chemicals in personal care products.
FACT: Cosmetic companies may use any ingredient or raw material, except for color additives and a few prohibited substances, without government review or approval.


The evidence is mounting about the harmful and toxic effects of commonly used chemicals found in cosmetics, such as phthalates.
"The threat to health may include, for instance,
cancer, harm to developing fetuses and infants exposed to the
chemicals through baby products or their mother's cosmetics
use, and disruptions of various organ or hormonal systems in the body."
Everyday Americans follow a routine of applying lotions, powders,
shampoo, and cosmetics to their skin. "In many cases, penetrating
agents ensure rapid and deep penetration of these substances into our bodies."
http://iehn.org/filesalt/IEHNCosmeticsReportFin.pdf
Here's a website to check ingredients and health concerns of skin care
products, fragrances, hair care products, baby products, etc.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/

Smile! Laugh! It's Good For Your Health!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. 
There’s no use in two people remembering the same thing.

Naturopathic Principles

VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE
The Healing Power of Nature 
The body has an inherent ability to heal itself and restore health.
Symptoms are the body's attempt to heal itself.
Naturopathic physicians remove the obstacles to cure, so the body
can efficiently defend itself and return to a balanced, healthy
internal environment.
PRIMUM NO NOCERE
First Do No Harm
Naturopathic Physicians utilize gentle effective therapies that minimize
the risk of harmful effects. Whenever possible the suppression of 
symptoms is avoided as suppression generally interferes with the healing 
process. Naturopath's acknowledge and respect each individual's self-healing process,
and utilize treatments that will work with that that process.
TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON
The nature of health and disease is multifactorial.
Each individual's mental, physical, spiritual, genetic, environmental,
social, and emotional factors must be taken into account. All of these
aspects are intimately connected within each of us and must be looked
at to create a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis 
and treatment.
TOLLE CAUSAM
Identify and Treat the Cause
The cause of disease originates on many levels and can often have to do 
with lifestyle, dietary habits and emotional imbalances. 
If only symptoms are treated and relieved the cause of those symptoms
remains and can present recurrent problems, often developing into
more serious conditions.
PREVENTION
Prevention of disease and attainment of optimal health are the primary
objectives in Naturopathic Medicine. Assessing risk factors, heredity, and 
susceptibility to disease, the appropriate interventions in partnership
with patients can prevent disease.
Health is a reflection of how we choose to live, one cannot be 
healthy in an unhealthy environment.
DOCERE
Doctor As Teacher
Naturopathic Doctors serve as facilitators for their patients. 
They encourage self-responsibilty for health and empower their 
patients in a journey to optimal health and happiness.

Daily Affirmations

We are all on a journey, we are creating our present and future with our thoughts, right now.
We become what we think, whether we want to or not.
"We can rewire patterns in our brain with cognitive-behavioral therapy or affirmations. It changes the way our brain is wired...It has bio-chemical, neuropharmacological effects." Mona Lisa Schulz M.D. PhD
Let go of the limiting beliefs you're holding onto.

I am willing to change.
I am willing to release my old patterns and negative beliefs.
The power that created me, has given me the power to create my new life.
I chose positive, fulfilling new thoughts and begin anew, right here, right now.
Louise Hay, "You Can Heal Your Life"

Recipe for Pumpkin Seed Dip

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, 
deserve your love and affection.
Buddha

open up your EMUNCTORIES!

Some notes from Emunctorology:

   Emunctories describes organ systems or ducts with the physiological function

   that involves draining or removing waste materials from the body.  

    An emunctory, most simply, is a “route of elimination”.

            Illness can result from inefficient removal of wastes. 
Emunctorology is the study of the emunctories, their functional 
relationships, the role they play in relation to other aspects of 
physiology and illness in the human body, and the means by 
which to accomplish the stimulation of the elimination of waste 
or toxic substances in health and disease.

            Primary emunctories: skin, lungs, kidneys, and the bowel.
Secondary emunctories:the stomach, liver, pancreas, skin, spleen, 
lymphatic system, mucosal surfaces, sinuses and prostate
When the primary emunctories are not functioning optimally, 
the body will attempt to compensate and use the secondary emunctories. 
These secondary emunctories are not as efficient at elimination as this 
is not the primary function of these organs or tissues.
Consequently, when the primary emunctories are not functioning optimally, 
the secondary emunctories may also become perturbed and respond with 
a generalized inflammation.


Illness is viewed as part of the process of detoxification, where the 
emunctories are challenged. Once this occurs we are likely to see a 
significant activation of emunction.  Mucus production, cough, possibly 
bowel disturbances, diarrhea, etc., even fever, all are an activation of the 
process of toxin elimination
So how can you open up your emuctories?
Naturopathic Doctors have many different therapies to assist your body, such 
as drainage therapies, like UNDA numbers and BTG's- basic treatment 
guidelines. According to Dr. Thom, every person should be doing BTG's 
daily, 365 days a year, to give their emuctories a workout and keep 
them functioning optimally.
Some example of the BTG's are: deep breathing (lungs),
dry skin brushing (skin), and castor oil packs (liver).

Definitions:


Emunction is proper physiology working well to process, filter, and 
eliminate toxins and waste products.

Detoxification, by contrast, is an external force imposed on the body 
to drive out impurities.

           Emunction is a passive process, a natural result of optimized function 
while detoxification is an active process of eliminating perceived contamination.

Drainage is the stimulation of internal organ systems to eliminate 
wastes products in order for them to be eliminated by the emunctories.

     “When Nature searches for an outlet, the healer must help it find the appropriate place, for Nature is a better healer than man”.       

              Paracelsus

Food Hygiene

Food Hygiene- Is that how to get your fruits and vegetables extra clean?...well, not really.
Food Hygiene is the way to maximize your digestion.
The process of digestion starts before you even take your first bite!
That's right, it starts with smelling your food. So the first step is to
start cooking your meals. The aromas will prompt digestive secretions,
like HCl and pancreatic enzymes.
Too busy to cook your own meals? The average American eats just
4 of 21 meals at home! Try cooking on weekends and make an event
 out of it, including family and friends.
Next, no liquids 45 minutes before meals and 30 minutes after.
This will dilute stomach acid and digestive enzymes needed for
optimal assimilation of nutrients.
Sit down and turn off the tv! Your digestive system performs at it's
best in a parasympathetic state-this is the division of the nervous
system designed for 'rest and digest'. When you eat on the move
or while you're having a heated argument over the dinner table
your body switches into a sympathetic state or 'fight or flight'
response. Your body shunts the blood supply to the extremities
in preparation to run for your life or fight!
Once you're sitting down and start eating, take time to chew your
food. 31 times, each bite! Yes, 31 times, that's a number you won't
forget. This will make the digestive process that much easier for
your body, making the nutrients readily available for absorption.

Optimal digestion and absorption are key to health!

"The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

Hippocrates
Greek physician (460 BC - 377 BC)

ALTERATIVES

ALTERATIVES:

“[Alteratives] improve the quality of the blood, increase the appetite, promote digestion, and accelerate the process of elimination.”  Harvey Wickes Felter, 1922

The word alterative has variously been defined as something that “alters” the body in a non-specific but broadly beneficial way, a blood purifier, blood cleanser, and detoxifier...

Every physician would agree that individual cells could not be viable at all if they 

could not absorb nutrients and eliminate their cellular wastes.  So too, there could 

be no bodily life at all if an organism could not obtain high quality energy and 

nutrition and rid itself of metabolic waste products.  To any complex multicellular 

organism, the delivery and removal of such vital substances depends on a healthy 

digestive system.  The more one studies physiology, the more obvious it becomes 

that the quality of the fluids in each and every cell, depends on quality of the blood, 

which depends on the efficacy of digestive, absorptive and eliminative processes.  

Whether you are an amoeba, an earthworm, an aardvark, or a human, you are 

what you eat/digest/absorp/don’t eliminate/etc.  Simple though it may sound, 

the use of alterative herbs could indeed alter one for the better.  

Any tool a physician/herbalist has to increase the strength of the digestive 

and eliminative functions, the quality of the blood, and the delivery of nutrients to

 individual cells, could only support health and vitality. For this reason, 

alteratives are the mainstay of herbal and naturopathic medicine.      

some examples of Alteratives:

Taraxicum (Dandelion) , Arctium lappa (Burdock), Rumex (Yellow Dock), 

Mahonia (Oregon Grape), Achillea (Yarrow), Trifolium (Red Clover)

Alterative herbs are those which are capable of improving overall health by balancing 

and tonifying basic bodily processes.  Alteratives stimulate digestive and 

absorptive functions thereby optimizing nutrition.  Alteratives also promote

elimination functions and thereby the removal of wastes, minimizing toxic 

accumulations and enhancing intestinal aerobic flora.  Due to these actions, 

alteratives are considered to be cleansing and general tonics.  Alteratives 

improve the nutritional status, improving the quality of the blood, correcting 

deficient absorption and metabolism, and clearing toxicity.   

Alteratives accomplish all this primarily by stimulating secretory activity of 

the digestive organs and optimizing gastrointestinal health  Alterative herbs 

also contain nutrients, minerals including trace minerals, electrolytes, and 

hormonal precursors that all nourish and stimulate metabolism.   

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”