More benefits of Aroma Therapy

“Fibromyalgia is a syndrome whose cause is not well understood. The syndrome can include a wide variety of symptoms; the main ones are pain and tender spots (extreme sensitivity to pressure) throughout soft tissues of the body. Maybe given less acknowledgment, but of no less importance to the sufferer, are sleep disturbances, severe fatigue, anxiety and depression, joint stiffness, cognitive dysfunction, and digestive abnormalities.
How aromatherapy can help
Because of the range of symptoms, fibromyalgia is a great case for the use of holistic treatments such as aromatherapy, which has many applications that could be of assistance for this complex syndrome. It is possible that an oil being used specifically with the intention of reducing fatigue, for example, could also be effective in relieving inflammation.
Treatment plans for a lot of different illnesses could benefit from more personalized attention, and less of a “one-size-fits-all” mentality, particularly in the case of something like fibromyalgia The stress and emotional impact of this aspect alone would be one place to start to incorporate aromatherapy into treatment. Other areas aromatherapy would be helpful are for pain, insomnia, to increase circulation, and for headaches, anxiety and depression.
Following are some ideas for how to use aromatherapy for specific symptoms (therapeutic properties from Aromatics International, Aromahead Institute class manual, and personal experiences).
Pain: Aromatherapy could be used either as blends in lotion or oil, or in a bath. Heat itself seems to be helpful in cases of fibromyalgia, so a warm bath paired with some essential oils would be a great place to start. Just a few of the oils with analgesic properties that could be used are German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and Frankincense (Boswellia carterii). Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) is both analgesic and warming. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) are a few that would be effective but should be used in low (1% or less) dilutions, to avoid potential skin irritation.
Fatigue and brain-fog: For fatigue and the feeling of “brain fog” fibromyalgia sufferers may complain of, an aromatherapy inhaler or a diffuser blend would be a good choice. Oils to use would be those with stimulant and cephalic properties. Basil (Ocimum basilicum ct linalool), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct camphor/ 1,8 cineole), and Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) are a few oils to consider.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome/other digestive abnormalities: Basil (Ocimum basilicum ct linalool), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Laurel Leaf (Laurus nobilis), Lemon (Citrus limon), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Orange (Citrus sinensis), and Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) all have carminative and/or digestive properties. These could be used effectively blended into a lotion.

Depression, stress, and anxiety: Many citrus and flower oils are helpful in cases of depression. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara), and Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) are just a few to choose from. For stress and anxiety, calming oils like Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin), or Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) may be of help.

Insomnia/sleep disturbances: Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) and Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) are all sedative oils that could assist in sleep.
Sensitivity: While aromatherapy won’t be a solution to ones sensitivity to light, sound and odors, it is possible the sufferer may find some relief from the onslaught of triggering scents and chemicals by switching from chemical household products to natural ones that incorporate essential oils.

Underlying emotional trauma/causes: Aromatherapy can help address these issues as well as it can the physical ones, choosing oils with the appropriate energetic/vibrational qualities.

A “Top Six”
From the above, there are several oils that address more than one of the symptoms. If one were to put together a kit of oils to start out with to help treat their fibromylagia, they might consider the multi-purpose ones: Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) is analgesic, cephalic, warming and sedative. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) is analgesic, antispasmodic, and digestive and great to diffusers for focus or concentration. Orange (Citrus sinensis) is antidepressant, and digestive. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is analgesic, antidepressant, and antispasmodic. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is analgesic, antidepressant, and sedative. Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile is strongly antispasmodic and sedative. ”

I want to share some excerpts from Maya Brownfeild’s paper. Aromahead Institute student

Dear Readers - March 31, 2011

[FROM VIBRANT LIVING NEWSLETTER]

About this time of year over here in the Pacific Northwest, everyone starts making some serious plans to take a trip to find some sun! Yes, yes, we know...it's a rain forest, and if it weren't for the rain, there wouldn't be all the lush foliage, flowers and giant trees. BUT, what I wouldn't give for a full day of sun and a lounger!

With that in mind, I was doing some travelling in my mind to some fabulous resort spas. Check out The Spa at Grove Isle's Watsu massage therapy treatment, an exclusive treatment and at one of only eight locations in the Eastern seaboard--administered in a secluded outdoor pool with Miami's lush scenery and a Roman waterfall as your backdrop. Watsu massage is done in a warm pool with the masseuse, using the bouyancy of the water to allow for more freedom of movement.

And then there's the Ranch at Live Oak in the Santa Monica Mountains. A funny and entertaining article by Christina Binkley, one of the attendees at the ranch undergoing the super-strict "Starvation Diet," to the tune of $5600 a week. Her story is a good read, and gives you an idea of the lengths some people will go to, to feel like they're doing something good for themselves.

On a different note, I've been following closely the Fukushima nuclear plant meltdown. Elevated radiation levels have shown up across the U.S., and radioactive iodine was found in milk in Washington state. Although the levels are not directly health-threatening, it is yet another environmental stress we all have to endure. More than ever, we recommend supplementing with enzymes. Add in kelp or nori seaweed to daily meals to ensure good iodine levels in your body. Also, my dear hydro-colonic therapist, Joanie Falconer, has a great article about using bentonite clay to address radiation exposure. She says in her blog, "Radioactive material is formed carrying a positive ionic charge. Calcium Bentonite Clay is a negatively charged ion. Simply put, Calcium Bentonite Clay adsorbs and absorbs, capturing positive charged ions, and you wash them off or pass them through your body."

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
Subtleenergysolutions.com

Keeping abreast of it with essential oils and supporting the immune system

Here are a two ways I use citrus essential oils in my daily life for immune support:
Kitchen and Bathroom Disinfectant
Clean all kitchen and bathroom surfaces
Ingredients:
20 drops Lemon (Citrus limon)
20 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
20 drops Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Directions: Blend essential oils in a 16 oz spray bottle filled with 14 oz of water and 2 oz of white vinegar.
 Spray freely and wipe with towel or sponge
Solid Deodorant
This recipe is a sneak preview into Aromahead Institute’s upcoming eBook!
Makes about four 1 oz deodorant tubes.
Ingredients:
1 oz Beeswax
3 oz Jojoba
20 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
20 drops Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
Tools:
Kitchen scale
Pyrex style large measuring bowl
Medium stovetop pot
Glass stirring rod or spoon
Four 1 oz deodorant tubes
Directions:
1. Use the Stovetop Melting Method to liquefy and combine the base carriers. (place Pyrex measuring cup in soup pot and fill the pot 1/4 of the way with water. Boil water, add beeswax and jojoba to Pyrex and allow to melt).
2. After removing the melted wax from heat, add the essential oils and stir.
3. Immediately pour the liquid into the deodorant tubes and cover.
4. Allow deodorant to solidify for at least five minutes before applying.
Alternate Essential Oils Blends for Different Aromas:
For a woodsy aroma:
10 drops Cypress essential oil
10 drops distlled Lime essential oil
For a floral aroma:
10 drops Geranium essential oil
10 drops Orange essential oil

Roasted Broccoli

Source: Courtesy Amanda Haas
Roasted Broccoli
If you think your children don’t like broccoli, try roasting it! Roasting broccoli at a high temperature brings out all of its sweet flavors, so it tastes completely different than if you normally boil or steam it. If you’d like to add more flavor, you can zest a lemon over the top before roasting, or sprinkle good Parmesan cheese over it when it comes out of the oven.

Ingredients
•1-1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets, washed, dried & cut in 1" pieces
•extra virgin olive oil
•salt
•freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Place the broccoli in a mixing bowl and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss until all the broccoli florets are generously coated with the oil. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the broccoli is just soft, about 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Note: For a little added heat for the adults, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of chile flakes in before roasting.

Artism: The Art of Autism

April is Autism Awareness Month

The Vision and Spectacular Art Created by People with Autism

 

Autism affects about 1 out of every 100 people.  Whether you believe that autism is a disease or are among those who are coming to the conclusion that autism is simply a variation of the way the human brain exists in nature, it really doesn’t matter. Because of its increasing frequency of occurrence, you are going to be affected.  In fact, you already have been affected.

 

In the forefront of modern efforts to help people with autism, are those who encourage them to develop their strengths, and often times these are in the creative fields of art and science.

 

People with autism may see, feel, hear and think about the world differently. In many cases, their sensory perceptions are truly different. However, while people with autism may have difficulty speaking, relating and communicating with people, they may have profound insights and capabilities in other areas. In fact, some people with autism have shown high levels of human excellence and creative ability.

 

A new book, Artism: The Art of Autism, offers an incredible glimpse into the imaginative worlds of people with Autism and their creative works.  This beautifully published book contains 218 full-color illustrations featuring 54 artists of all ages and from all parts of the world.  The book also offers up the personal insights and perceptions of the contributors themselves.

 

The artwork and voices in this book offers new insights and dimension to our understanding of how autism manifests differently in each person.  Here’s a sampling:

 

Noah Erenberg, Born 1970, Resides in Isla Vista, California

 

Forty-year old Noah Erenberg, "I like bright colors and crazy shapes. This type of art reminds me of hip hop music. It seems as if shapes come out of my head. Abstract means 'from my head.”

 

Steven Selpal, Born on 11/11/50, Resides in Palm Bay, Florida

 

 

Sixty-year old Steven Selpal who attributes an LSD trip at age 18 to attaining language, "I was tripping on LSD since I was born 11/11/50. Timothy Leary is not my hero, but I must credit him with giving me a sense of adjectives to describe my daily life. Think for yourself and question authority."

 

Amanda Lamunyon, Born 1995, Resides in Enid, Oklahoma

 

 

FIfteen-year old Amanda LaMunyon wants to encourage people with learning differences that "their challenges are also their gifts."  Amanda was chosen by the Autism Society of America as the “Outstanding Individual with Autism of the Year 2008.” She won the “The President’s Daily Points of Light” award for her volunteer service and in 2008 won the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) “Yes, I Can” award for her art. “My art is very personal. I feel like part of me is coming out of my hands.”

 

Temple Grandin, Born 1947, Resides in Fort Collins, Colorado

 

   

Patent drawing for typical retainer system for kosher slaughter

“When I was a child, art was my favorite subject in school. My parents always encouraged my ability in art. Half of the cattle in the United States are handled in facilities I designed. Being a visual thinker really helped me in my design work. In my book ‘Thinking in Pictures’ I explain how words narrate the videos in my imagination. When I design equipment I can test run it in my mind like a three-dimensional virtual reality system. I owe my success to my mother and good teachers.” Temple Grandin

David Idell, Born 1993, Resides in Thousand Oaks, California

 

 

 

I think people who are considered ‘genius’ were all probably obsessed with a subject and followed their obsessions. I am not saying David is a genius, but I do not see the harm in letting him explore this obsession with numbers.” Cindy Idell, David’s Mom

 

David James Svoboda, Born 1982, Shaw AFB, South Carolina

 

 

DJ Svoboda, who had a hard time making friends in high school, created an entire village of imaginary creatures called Imagiville where, as DJ states "everyone is loved and accepted for who and what they are. Everyone in Imagiville helps and cares for one another."  

 

Trevor Aycox, Born 1995, Resides in Healdton, Oklahoma

 

 

Fifteen-year old Trevor Aycox from Oklahoma "When I do my art, I see what I can really do. I'm not very good at things like sports that are important around here. It makes me feel good about myself to go past the limits that are set by me or other people."

 

Ben Diez, Born 1987, Layton, Utah

 

 

23-year old artist Ben Diez, "Autism has been a gift that has allowed me to develop and excel in art."

 

Gregory Blackstock, Born 1943, Resides in Seattle, Washington

 

 

 

67-year old Seattle artist Gregory Blackstock paints lists of things, such as 161 flags on eggs called "More colorful Egg Pattern Favorites," or Early Boeing Jets, or 54 types of barns.

 

Some don't like the word autism, such as 38-year old Natalie Totire, who says the term autism "tells me I am an uncaring, disconnected person. Disconnectiveness is a very painful feeling to me, and it has been a painful reality I have felt so much, I would consider it almost a bad word."

 

Colin Zimbleman states in the book "autism is an exceptional phenomenon that has taken our cultural imagination by storm. ... It offers a chance to catch a glimpse of an awe-filled vision of the world that may otherwise pass us by."

 

At once, inspiring and myth defying, the art spans a range of emotion and subject material and is accompanied by detailed quotes and commentary from each of the artists and their families. The book is a valuable benchmark for anyone who is interested exploring the creative potential of the human mind.

 

 

 

Artism: The Art of Autism

Shattering Myths about People Living on the Spectrum

Debbie Hosseini

Edited by Rosa C. Martinez, Ph.D. 

 

List $34.95

144 pages, 12 x 9 inches with 218 full-color illustrations

and 4 essays by experts in the field. Priced at $34.95

ISBN 978-0-9831308-0-2

First Trademark Edition, 2011

 

For more information visit http://www.artismtoday.com/

Wiki Leeks

Resembling an oversized scallion, the leek belongs to the genus Allium, which includes onions, chives, shallots, and garlic. The subtle taste of leeks hints at a blend of asparagus and sweet onion. For mellower flavor, substitute leeks for onions and shallots in recipes.

How to select and store. The smaller the leek, the more tender the texture when cooked. Check that fresh stalks are firm to the touch and free of pink or brown striping. Also check that the broad flat leaves are dark green in color with no wilted outer layers. Leeks are best stored unwashed and untrimmed in the fridge, where they can keep for up to tow weeks.

Prep tips, Clean leeks by halving them lengthwise with a chef's knife and fanning the leaves under running water to rinse away stubborn dirt. Trim away the leaves-reserving them for vegetable stock-and the root end; retain the white and pale green parts for cooking. To preserve their delicate flavor saute for less time then you would onions.