tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1521675555060581172024-03-19T04:12:55.441-07:00Diamond Way Ayurveda<a> href="http://diamondwayayurveda.com/"</a>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-49787829077966030782012-08-23T11:22:00.000-07:002012-08-23T11:23:21.209-07:00Danger of “ANTIBACTERIALS”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Years ago my husband Bob had a conversation with a co-worker
about the additives in the fast foods he ate every day for lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He asked the guy, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Does it worry
you that these chemicals maybe unhealthy for you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The guy replied, <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I love this
stuff and I’m building up a resistance to the harmful effects by eating like
this regularly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My husband responded, <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That resistance
just might be called cancer.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where do you
stand when you here the latest information about something that COULD be bad
for you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I have been getting more
involved with gardening Organic Gardening magazine now pops up on my email,
almost daily so I get to read a lot of this news breaking information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today the subject I thought I should share as
it is particularly appropriate for spa people as the subject is about the
problems with antibacterial cleaners.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latest
villain is </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Triclosan</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"> an
ingredient in almost every “antibacterial” product from dish soaps to your
toothpaste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like many of the chemicals
in common household use today </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Triclosan</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"> </span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">is known to interfere
with human hormones and is suspected of contributing to a rise in
antibiotic-resistant bacteria. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But wait
there’s more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">It could be</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">damaging your</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">heart and
muscle tissue</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>University of
California, Davis found that even moderate triclosan exposure significantly
reduced muscular strength and cardiac function in mice and slowed the swimming
pace of fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the FDA does
not acknowledge that there are additional benefits to using this ingredient and
maintain that good old soap and hot water is just as effective. Tufts
University reports </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Triclosan</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"> in
soap breaks down when exposed to chlorinated water, rendering it ineffective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What they don’t say is that it also reacts
with the chlorine to form chloroform, a carcinogen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only reason that it is there is the new
and improved excuse or that someone had to make their money back on the deal as
far as I am concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What to
DO?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">• <b>Skip "antibacterial</b></span><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">" everything.</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can pop
up in unexpected places like the insoles of your sport shoes or the lining of a
pillow case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be suspicious of anything
that says </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"germ-killing,"
"antibacterial," or "odor-killing".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unbelievably it does not have to be listed as
an ingredient in household items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will find it on the label of personal care products.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">• Check your personal care products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">For
a great source of information about “safe” products<b> </b>check</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"> the Environmental
Working Group's Skin Deep</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">
database.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you know the skin is an
organ of absorption this is particularly so in the mouth, under the arms and on
the soles of the feet so check toothpaste, deodorant and soaps particularly carefully.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">• Have faith in hot water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe Granny was onto
something, it seems regular old soap and hot water cannot be beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My
opinion</span></span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> – it took centuries to discover that maybe Rome fell
because they were all just a little mad from the lead in their revolutionary
pumping systems and decades for us to find that certain plastics are really
disruptive to our hormone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, when I
read a report like this I tend to ere on the side of caution and go as green as
I can and extend the wish that the world comes to its senses one day so none of
us has to suffer, mouse, fish, factory worker or grandchild.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-54009380010137684342012-08-09T16:12:00.002-07:002012-08-09T16:12:52.774-07:00CHOOSE ORGANIC FOOD<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">S</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ince the mid
1970’s Bob and I have eaten mostly organic whole grains, vegetables and
fruits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also avoided refined
sugars and synthetic additives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From
time to time have been vegan, vegetarian, and even followed a Tibetan “white”
foods diet for a month. Like many people
now closer to 60 than 30 we have seen organic food shops develop from hippy
coops to mega supermarkets, and the choice of organic move from being counter
culture to an accepted way of taking care of yourself and the planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For myself, I can say I have journeyed from
being a tight brown rice eating macrobiotic to a happier, rounder omnivore. I
will eat anything given with love or just plain anything available when
travelling but still prefer low sugar, non-dairy and wheat free items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My attitude has become much looser and I can honestly
say most of the time I am happy with my broader choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recently, however, I have been wondering if I
have been too neurotic all these years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then, as chance would have it, an article from Organic Gardening Magazine
popped up on my email and I realize I have been on the right track all along and
I felt proud about the way I fed my three kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also felt inspired to share the “bones” of the piece on this blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let’s be clear <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all pesticides are
designed to kill living things</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
kill by the introduction of:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">nerve gases that work by disrupting the bug’s nervous
system<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">chemicals that unbalance of key reproductive hormones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 38.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">stunting of a plant's ability to absorb life-sustaining
trace minerals from the soil so the bugs that eat them are weakened<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These chemicals are designed to be harmful to life and to weaken vitality
of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all </b>living things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t just get sprayed onto food they get
right into our food taking their life diminishing toxins with them and lowering
mineral levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have ever
wondered why organic produce tastes better than commercially raised items it is
because of the mineral content.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
higher the mineral content is the better, stronger and sweeter the taste of the
food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have thought <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">"the dose
makes the poison"</b> think again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Science is now proving that incredibly tiny doses could set a person up
for health problems that might not crop up until decades down the line. As
these chemicals make it into our air and water our food, cleaning products and
cosmetic choices (things we can better control) become ever more important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are still sitting on the fence read the list of illnesses that are
now linked to pesticide use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then check
the list called the DIRTY DOZEN, produce that has the highest level of
pesticide sprays and the CLEAN FIFTEEN the least sprayed produce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 13.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SEVEN HEALTH PROBLEMS LINKED TO
PESTICIDE USE. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Diabetes -</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">tolyfluanid, a fungicide used on farm
crops, creates insulin resistance in fat cells and overweight people with
higher levels of organochlorine pesticides in their bodies also faced a higher
risk of developing type 2 diabetes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cancer</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
More than 260 studies link pesticides to various cancers, including lymphoma,
leukemia, soft tissue sarcoma, and brain, breast, prostate, bone, bladder,
thyroid, colon, liver, and lung cancers, among others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Autism & Other Developmental Diseases</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Many insecticides effectively kill bugs by throwing off normal neurological
functioning. That same thing appears to be happening in some children. Children
with organophosphate pesticide breakdown materials in their urine were far more
likely to live with ADHD than kids without the trace pesticide residues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Obesity</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Pesticides interfere with your body's ability to regulate the healthy release
of hormones. More than 50 pesticides are classified as hormone disruptors, and
some of them promote metabolic syndrome and obesity as they accumulate in your
cells.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Parkinson's Disease</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
More than 60 studies show a connection between pesticides and the neurological
disease Parkinson's, a condition characterized by uncontrolled trembling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Infertility</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Atrazine, a common chemical weed killer used heavily in the Midwest, on
Southern sugar cane farms, and on golf courses have been linked with increased
miscarriage and infertility rates. While other pesticides cause a plunge in
male testosterone levels<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birth Defects</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
Babies conceived during the spring and summer months, a time of year when
pesticide use is in full swing, face the highest risk of birth defects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Environmental Working Group has released an updated list of the DIRTY DOZEN the
fruits and vegetables with the worst pesticide levels. </span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Apples<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Celery<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strawberries<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peaches<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Spinach<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nectarines
(imported)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grapes
(imported)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweet bell
peppers<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blueberries
(domestic)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lettuce<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kale/collard
greens<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Avoid these if
you can, wash them very well if you cannot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you cannot afford organic everything organic then try shopping for more on
the CLEAN FIFTEEN list.</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Onions<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweet Corn<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pineapples<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Avocado<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Asparagus<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweet peas<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mangoes<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eggplant<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cantaloupe
(domestic)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kiwi<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cabbage<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Watermelon<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sweet
potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grapefruit<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mushrooms<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, the market
responds to demand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more people
asking for clean food, pure water and fresh air as a birthright the more it
will happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Bob and I</span>, personally, have seen amazing
changes in the last forty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trick now is to get organic produce to be affordable and make organic items more widely
available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That might mean growing your own. </span>Basic health and beauty should
never be only for the 1%. The 99% can always find ways to plant seed. Organic Gardening Magazine might be the best place to start. I just ordered mine for the year.</span><br />
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<br />Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-56286276728094232542012-07-12T16:41:00.002-07:002012-07-12T16:41:45.018-07:00Our Kansa Vataki StoryBack in the late 1990's I was invited to teach in the south of France at a beautiful retreat center run by a Dutch couple. My hosts were a couple from Belgium and the young woman had studied Ayurvedic techniques both in Paris and in Brittany. Her teacher was Dr Kiran Vyas. Unfortunately, his book is only published in French (Les Massage Indien). She was the one that first introduced me to Kansa Vataki for foot massage. From the very beginning I was impressed that it seems particularly those either unaccustomed or just plain cynical about the benefit of massage that loved this technique and seemed to melt at each the simplest touch with the magic little metal bowl. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
That was the start of our <a href="http://www.diamondwayayurveda.com/catalog_i6759077.html?catId=280017">Pedikarma<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(TM)</span> treatment</a>. In 2005 we produced the video, now a DVD, along with the <a href="http://www.diamondwayayurveda.com/catalog_c280013_2.html">support products</a>: Ayurvedic Bath Salts and two massage products - Anise Lotion (based on the Tibetan tradition) and Aromatice Golden Ghee (based on the Indian Ayurvedic tradition). At that point we used either a simple kansa saucer shaped little bowl or one with a decorative brass handle that looked like a little metal basket. <br />
<br />As time went by an Indian manufacturer found us sent as the large kansa foot wand we use today. Beautifully made with the purest kansa is is a joy to use and the results are marvellous. It is wonderful for normalizing high skin tone, easing headaches and nausea, gentle detoxing and very grounding. We are happy to say that those that prefer no handle at all now have that option.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS3US3OsxuijFFi_2ej1VI6Q_ahyphenhyphenxVR3wW9NmyJEz0WBAbRu5kyUSPJ6b7HAE0QFwKiiedyAlRfcf24gWr-fxqC0vlpQ3Fllqz9nxxegJEOtX-B0lKWEWJKPXD1FdUqRKaWtG6etgGuw/s1600/NoHandleFoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS3US3OsxuijFFi_2ej1VI6Q_ahyphenhyphenxVR3wW9NmyJEz0WBAbRu5kyUSPJ6b7HAE0QFwKiiedyAlRfcf24gWr-fxqC0vlpQ3Fllqz9nxxegJEOtX-B0lKWEWJKPXD1FdUqRKaWtG6etgGuw/s200/NoHandleFoot.jpg" width="114" /></a>Then as so often happens in American more innovation was a foot. We started to hear that people were using the kansa on the face and getting a better face lift than by using low current galvanic stimulation machine ($5000 worth!). We were impressed by the before and after pictures and so we had a small kansa wand made. It was amazing to see the jojoba oil we used as a massage medium go really grey as acids left the skin and the face came back alive. We now have an even smaller face massage kansa designed for home use that is small enough to travel in a cosmetic bag.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxuEelWU2JGiKCK0meESX75vShlfzJU2sxFs6KnDsrcqq-e9Q0C1IKtMoqGuFGtRPBkowoc_kdRC6swCTmaJ5k1JSdpEvyihC6LpOCXbDRylcEI19S-aHQ7NlOL8tD3SGgkCMK8Crgio/s1600/KansaPersonal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxuEelWU2JGiKCK0meESX75vShlfzJU2sxFs6KnDsrcqq-e9Q0C1IKtMoqGuFGtRPBkowoc_kdRC6swCTmaJ5k1JSdpEvyihC6LpOCXbDRylcEI19S-aHQ7NlOL8tD3SGgkCMK8Crgio/s1600/KansaPersonal.jpg" /></a><br />
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Then, just this spring we were attending the NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) annual conference and showing the tools to our dear teacher Dr. Vasant Lad when he came up with an idea. Being the artist that he is he immediately sketched it out for us and we in turn sent it off to India. just a few weeks later the tool, a mini kansa on a T shaped handle was with us. Dr.Lad used it in his Marma (vital energy point) class this summer and we will wait to hear the stories.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNaQIQYt7cLaw0bVF_t-hTK_rvo8XPbh_iEIkWanQOi26iWy2B1SC_t1pXH3P0zqxbkBYwIhZXzNzqFi90bLY-polUVbXqYzIg2roAhROiBADnMhXfAVu7SW3vxhHzWnSv9LaIFklf9k/s1600/KansaTool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNaQIQYt7cLaw0bVF_t-hTK_rvo8XPbh_iEIkWanQOi26iWy2B1SC_t1pXH3P0zqxbkBYwIhZXzNzqFi90bLY-polUVbXqYzIg2roAhROiBADnMhXfAVu7SW3vxhHzWnSv9LaIFklf9k/s1600/KansaTool.JPG" /></a>But, I have just one from personal experience I would like to share. Since January of this year I have had a problem with my left shoulder. It started after I was doing very heavy garden work and a new form of yoga. Not only was it painful but I suddenly had limited range of motion. It has slowly been improving to the point to where it now feels like a tight muscle down the front of my arm. I was happy to let it heal slowly when Bob, my husband, suggested I use the new mini kansa tool. I rubbed up and down the bone and all round the head of the bone at the shoulder joint. To my amazement after less than five minutes I had 30 degrees more movement. That gain has continued.<br />
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Today we made a new page on th<span id="goog_1106870997"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1106870998"></span>e website for all the kansa products so please visit then let us here your stories. <br />
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<a href="http://www.diamondwayayurveda.com/catalog_c386797.html">Check here for Kansa page on DiamondWayAyurveda.com</a><br />
Email <a href="mailto:ayurveda8@earthlink.net">ayurveda8@earthlink.net</a> or call 805-543-9291Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-294503864191317592012-01-13T17:19:00.000-08:002012-01-13T17:19:44.821-08:00Essential Oils and AyurvedaWe have recently read an article from an Ayurvedic practitioner warning people off of the use of essential oils other than in the form of inhalants and incenses. The claim is that as the essential oil is the fire element of the plant, that across the board, they will aggravate pitta dosha if ingested either in foods or in products applied to the body.<br />
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The warning is a good one, in so far as in the West we tend to think that if a little is good, more should be better. Thus there are people, even companies, which encourage people to use essential oils with little discrimination or reservation. I for one can attest to what happens when too much is used in a product. While visiting a spa in Australia, a technician who did not know the proportions of how much peppermint essential oil was to go in a seaweed body wrap froze me to the core. I shook for about 30 minutes. Worse still, it shut down my bowel function for 3 days!<br />
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But the fact is that when used in the dosages that are recommended by classically trained professional aromatherapists, this caveat need not be taken wholly to heart. For example in Tisserand's stellar works, one is given proper dilutions of essential oil to base oil, etc... And within the context of Ayurveda itself, I have attended a class with Dr. David Frawley who said that if the vaidyas had had access to essential oils the way we do today, they would have been using them rather than always using the decoction methods.<br />
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We are delighted that this issue has come up. It is a serious one. We hope that as Ayurveda develops in the west, that people will avail themselves of the knowledge it takes to use these gifts of nature properly.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-30435388684084214442011-11-18T12:52:00.001-08:002011-11-18T13:25:39.854-08:00SHORTAGES or ABUNDANCE, YOU CHOOSE Like many mornings my day starts with a conversation with my husband and business partner about the just what HAS to be done today. Like many of you, we are a small business and to get things done we wear many hats in a day. So many in fact we have invented imaginary people and even named them who work for us. Viola does her best in the office, Juan is the warehouse manager, Laramie is the shipping queen and so on. It keeps us sane and gives us a way of voicing praise but more often disapproval of one anothers performance without the atmosphere getting too heavy. Mostly this happens from a shortage of time to do things as fully as either one of us would like. Time shortage is a reasonable difficulty for a small business, busy is good remember.<br />
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But this is not what I am talking about today. Going back to this morning, I told Bob I just had to place a few orders before I got the house ready for my daughter and grandson to visit. When I use the world JUST it reminds me of my Dad. In our house a "just job" was like a "honey do......job". In other words there was no JUST about it. That is how my morning went. <br />
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I called to see if the rings for the Shirodhara equipment were ready. We work with a wonderful small local company and they have always been efficient and on time, not today. They are having a problem finding copper. Not copper at a great price, copper at any price. Ordinary copper bar has not been available for weeks apparently. The reason, China is buying it all. So much so that the company that make our beautifully designed copper lotas in India are just selling the raw material and not even bothering with manufacture anymore. After looking at alternatives that turned out to be twice the price, copper bar was found, production delayed but up and running again I am happy to say.<br />
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Then I called for jojoba oil. Sorry none until February, I was told. Oh no, this is a first. They had a fire in the warehouse and stocks are low. Bad but not tragic. Another local business I am loyal too but I need oil. I started to call everyone I could find on the web, same story. My only source, one gallon for over $400. That is nearly six times the "normal" price. There is world wide shortage I was told. Why, I asked, thinking I know the Chinese need copper for all the cities they are building but jojoba oil, really. What to do? So far I don't have a solution. We are working on it. Will shortage be the next hurdle for small business? Let's all visualize abundance and once again be flexible. Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-31915010327736564612011-11-03T13:05:00.001-07:002011-11-03T13:05:05.364-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 9.6pt; mso-outline-level: 2;">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 110%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Kansa
Face Wand<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is it? <br />
Imagine a small bronze saucer shaped disc about two inches in diameter with a
wooden handle attached so it looks a little like a pestle or a mortar and
pestle used to grind herbs and spices. <br />
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How did we come to have them at Diamond Way Ayurveda? Many years ago now I met
a beautiful Belgian girl who had learned an Ayurvedic foot massage technique
from an Ayurvedic doctor in Paris. For awhile his school provided us with
little bronze bowls so we could show our students the benefits of this usual
foot massage technique they called Kansa Vataki. We then got a stronger tool
with a little handle. Unfortunately about half of those in any shipment came
with a broken handles. So that slowed us down a little. Then fate smiled on us
and an Indian manufacturer contacted us. For a number of years he provided us
with a beautiful and consistent product and the foot massage we called
Pedikarma(TM) caught on. With the sucess of this treatment our dear customers
started to ask if this kansa could be used on other parts of the body. We told
them there was not a tradition behind it but no harm in it either. We wondered
what was happening out there in creative spa therapy land when we got a call
telling us that the kansa worked miracles on the face, better that the
electronic machine that had just been purchased. This customer asked if a
smaller kansa was a possibility. It was, and the kansa wand was born. <br />
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What does it do?<br />
We think it is the best face massage tool on hte market it takes just minutes to
eradicate stress, tiredness and give a gentle lift. It is a wonderful add on
for professional facials but equally easy to use for home use. You can use it
anywhere, by which I mean at home, at work, in the car aswell as on your head,
face, neck and shoulders. We hope spas will think of them for retail this
holidays.<br />
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How do we learn more about it?<br />
Just email <a href="mailto:ayurveda8@earthlink.net"><b><span style="color: #3366cc; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ayurveda8@earthlink.net</span></b></a> or call
866-303-3321 and we are happy to send out more information. If you are a visual
type we have a short DVD we can send that is $5 plus postage. <br />
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It is in other countries?<br />
It is now officially in Australia distributed by our dear friends at Heritage
Healers. We have had some interest in England too. <br />
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Against a background of the OCCUPY movement we have no idea what is in store
for our civilization but stress reduction and working togehter to help one
another is always a good idea. Here is another of our contributions to that
cause.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-47682776470885501472011-08-01T16:39:00.000-07:002011-08-01T16:46:27.568-07:00Busy AugustSo many events this month.<br /><ul><li>The Kansa Face Wand Class on August 7th, then Special Techniques, August 21st-23rd.</li><li>We also have a presentation with MedicineCrow Live on August 17th and you can click <a href="http://www.medicinecrow.com/public-event-pages/378-bob-a-melanie-sachs-feeding-your-body-mind-with-healthy-skin-foods#a_aid=4cdb282f92b74&a_bid=1516efb8">HERE</a> to become part of the presentation. </li><li>Also, Melanie will give a talk for AAPNA on August 20th which you can learn more about by going to their <a href="http://aapna.org">SITE</a>.</li></ul>You can find more details from our site as well: http://www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-36072252403740553792011-02-28T16:33:00.000-08:002011-02-28T16:55:02.033-08:00New Tread meets Ancient KnowledgeIt was expected that “wellness” would become a $1 trillion industry by 2010 with the fastest growing and most lucrative market sector in this market being anti-aging products and services. i am not sure if this figure was reached but we are definitely seeing more interested in organic products and supplements to support young looking skin. Is this trend being driven by baby boomers refusing to get old like their parents? Partly so, but it seems everyone from young teens to the thirty some things are also looking for the miracle cream or pill that will slow the hands of time. And, if you think it is just a girl thing, think again. A report published by the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) in 2007 showed that the fastest growing segment of today’s wellness industry is the men’s cosmeceuticals.<br /><br /><em>Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetics that are pharmaceutical hybrids intended to enhance health and beauty through ingredients that influence the skin’s biological function. </em><br /><br />But it is not just we put on our skin that is fascinating us there is a growing interest in what is being called “nutria-cosmetics”. These are nutritional cosmetics, products you eat or drink, that promise to improve the results of a skincare routine by working from the inside.<br /><br />You may think this is a new trend but for those of us interested Ayurveda we acknowledge that humans have been looking for what keeps us healthy, happy and deeply inspired from beginning less time. Indeed, one of the translations of the word Ayurveda is, the study of longevity or more simply out how to age well or look and feel good for as long as possible.<br /><br />I was fascinated to discover just recently that hundreds of years old texts talk about the same the very same issues our modern cosmetics are designed to address. You may not recognize the Sanskrit terms but their translations come up in advertizing slogans all the time.<br /><br />• Vayasthapana: age defying<br />• Varnya: brighten skin-glow<br />• Sandhaniya: cell regeneration<br />• Vranaropana: healing<br />• Tvachya: nurturing<br />• Shothahara: anti-inflammatory<br />• Tvachagnivardhani: strengthening skin metabolism, and<br />• Tvagrasayana: retarding aging.<br /><br />Ayurvedic texts mentions over 200 herbs, minerals and oils to maintain and enhance the health and beauty of the skin and these same ancient texts describe in detail how they should be applied or ingested. Packs, oils, herbal waters, powders of every kind were offered to promote ageless skin by tonifying, smoothing imperfections, and increasing hydration level, thus restoring a radiant and healthy look. You can find a number of these recipes in either of my books, Ayurvedic Beauty Care or Ayurvedic Spa. But, I would like to take this opportunity to offer a little more information about a few common Ayurvedic herbs and how they fit into the anti-aging puzzle by placing them in their ancient categories.<br /><br />Vayasthapana means “maintaining youthfulness” or “arresting age”. These herbs nourish the skin and ensures its optimum physiological functions. Gotu-Kola is the foremost anti-aging herbs. One of its many properties is to enhance collagen synthesis thus supporting good skin tone.<br /><br />Varnya means “youthful radiance”. This radiance or glow is one of the major signs of youthful skin according to Ayurveda. Herbs that are said to promote this glow include sandalwood powder, vetiver or khus, Indian madder or manjistha and Indian sarsaparilla or anantmul.<br /><br />Sandhaniya means “protection from normal wear and tear”. These herbs are healing and regenerative for the skin. A commonly used herb in this category is Sensitive Plant or lajjalu which is said to enhance healing and regeneration of the nerves by 30 to 40%. Shea nut oil and meadowfoam seed oil in our pitta face blend are also protective.<br /><br />Vranaropana means deep healing. These herbs enhance deeper healing abilities in the skin. Both gotu kola and sensitive plant, and are known for their ability to heal wounds. In the west plantain would hold this position.<br /><br />Tvachya means “enhancing and nurturing”. These herbs support moisture balance and provide overall nourishment to the skin. Gotu Kola, Silk Cotton Tree, Costus and Rose<br />Petal are among those most widely used for this purpose.<br /><br />Feeding the skin properly is very important to prevent premature aging which is why we call our face oils skin food and encourage our clients to feed their face and body.<br /><br />Shothahara means “anti-inflammatory”. Inflammation is considered to be the primary cause of aging; an inflamed site forms a micro-scar that over time develops into a wrinkle or blemish. By protecting the skin against allergens, inflammatory substances, chemicals and even stress, this group of herbs provide the anti-inflammatory effect, essential to all anti-aging formulations. Rose petal, Silk Cotton Tree and Aloe Vera are examples of common Shothahara herbs.<br /><br />Tvachagnivardhani means to “enhance the luster of the skin” by enhancing the skin’s own metabolism. With age or poor health the body’s metabolism generally slows down; similarly the skin’s own metabolism also weakens. Enzymes that help digestion are disrupted and through indigestion primarily metabolic toxins are created. Ayurveda calls these toxins ama. Ama in the skin clogs the subtle channels, leading to wrinkles, dryness and color anomalies and other signs of aging. Clogged channels is also said to create dullness and lack of youthful glow. Application of gota kola improves circulation promoting inner cleansing of deep impurities, it helps prevent varicose veins, cellulitis, premature aging skin, and weakened immunity to allergens and many skin diseases.<br /><br />Tvagrasayana means skin rasayan or “skin rejuvenator”. These include powerful herbal formulae designed to prevent sickness and retard aging of the skin. In these category amalaki, is supreme, being a potent antioxidant, rich in Vitamin C, tannins and gallic acid.<br /><br />It seems like the latest trends in beauty, health and wellness sectors are giving rise to a new realm of possibilities for Ayurvedic practitioners. These are indeed interesting times and it will be fascinating to watch the rise in popularity of Ayurvedic herbs in cosmetics and supplements.<br /><br />Indeed, Ayurveda offers vast amounts of information on principles of anti-aging, skin care and anti-aging herbs and we may it see this knowledge come forward first in the spa and beauty industry.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-72666660944253521182011-02-15T11:10:00.000-08:002011-02-15T11:30:13.316-08:00Are We Bothered about CO2 emissions?<div align="left">Being further north, nearer the icecap, an island nation,having a government that acknowledge global warming as something other than junk science and a freer media means that Brits get to hear some interesting stuff on the "Beeb", BBC radio four. If you are interested in informative, well research material about what our European neighbors are doing to be green, tune into the BBC through your computer.<br /><br />Here are the action items I gleaned from a recent show. A longer piece will soon be in LNE magazine. Check out www.lneonline.com if you don't already get the magazine. Their most recent editor is waving the green flag and publishing about all sorts of holistic treatments. It is really worth a read. Great pictures too.<br /><br />HOW HELP YOUR STAFF AND CLIENTS BE BOTHERED AND TAKE ACTION -Advise from British psychologists.<br /><br />Paint a heavenly future when you talk about your green goals rather than describing the hell we all want to avoid. Pictures of gloom and doom turn us off, sap our energy and paralyze us rather than energizing us into action.<br /><br />Talk about ordinary tangible things that the average client or staff member can choose to do. Don’t talk about tipping points, deadlines beyond which there is no hope. They are great to motivate serious funders that are used to planning on predicted numbers but totally freak out, bore or plain turn off the average person.<br /><br />Introduce changes as being positive for everyone that are just plain common sense and demonstrate common ethical values. Don’t use saving money as the single motivator for change. This entrains people to make decisions that help our environment only if they are cost effective.<br /><br />Be inclusive. Green initiatives, especially here in the US, are either thought of as hippie/environmentalist, liberal democrat especially as we had an ex-democratic vice President Al Gore presenting the movie, “An Inconvenient Truth” or even elitist. These habit changes must be something everyone can get on board with irrespective of social group, political persuasion or any other socio economic reason. Every spa can be green in some way.<br /><br />Green must not be associated with austerity, not having, but having something better and more rewarding. We see this trend in magazines like Real Simple whose by line is cleverly, “life made easier, everyday”. Most of us thing easier is better . Let’s make green easy and better too.<br /><br />Green must become the new glamorous. How about hosting what in Europe they are calling a “swishing party” which tries to replicate the buzz women get from clothes shopping, but in a carbon neutral way. Buying clothes from foreign countries accounts for about 10% of our carbon foot print. Green action must become fun and status-rich, rather than signing clients or staff up for a life of grim austerity, SWISH.<br /><br />Talk to people, every client and staff member as if green actions are normal and the smartest thing to do for everyone, which they are of course. Marketing geniuses tell us clients don’t respond well to words like global warming, climate change, or even pollution. But interestingly everyone seemed to respond positively to working to take care of our deteriorating atmosphere. Even though CO2 is not poisonous breathe, maybe the intimacy of the very air we breathe is present and understandable so start there.<br /><br />Use local examples. In Britain they had a campaign to highlight the melting northern ice cap with a jingle, whose punch line was, “Don’t make the polar bears cry”. It failed on two fronts. Firstly, people thought they had to be environmentalists to be concerned and secondly they believed the world of polar bears was a long way off and didn’t have much relevance to normal life of the average Brit.<br /><br />Make every green suggestion sound and feel important. If the solutions offered in a message are too simple or painless such as turning off the lights or unplugging your phone charger, unintentionally we might be encouraging the idea the problem can't be that serious if the answers are so trivial and so not worth doing?<br /><br />Do your part to connect clients with nature. People will value the natural world if they experience the bliss that this connection offers. Many destination spas are in beautiful places but even the small city bound day spa can have local flowers, fruits and skin care products. This approach is now being tested by WWF the World Wildlife Fund with projects like Natural Change in Scotland.<br /><br />Give it a try.<br /></div>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-54597691357183507412011-02-08T09:50:00.000-08:002011-02-08T10:22:54.621-08:00SPICE AS MEDICINEAs a new member of AAPNA (Association of Ayurvedic Professionals of North America) I decided to tune into their monthly free conference call. Unfortunately the advertised speaker had a bad sore throat that did not resolve in time for her to host the call so instead we had a "phone panel discussion".<br /><br />I was so impressed by the level of expertise of the other callers but even more impressed by their willingness to ask the difficult questions that we so often overlook. I shared my enthusiasm for the Healing Spice book by Bharat Aggarwal Ph.D. which prompted a very interesting discussion. <br /><br />Dr. Aggarwal was raised in India in a tradtional household that made use of Ayurveda but his higher degrees are from american universities and he is now involved in western research. I have found the book fascinating and I had no idea so many foods and spices were being studied for there possible medicinal benefits. Dr. Aggarwal is articularly famous for his ground breakiing research on turmeric. On the call the question came up, "Do you like the idea of clients taking turmeric in capsules?" The answer was interesting. <br /><br />The thought is that if a capsule burst in an empty stomach it could irritate the stomach lining. Turmeric is better delivered in food, mixed as a tea or taken in milk if dairy foods are well tolerated by the client. The Ayurvedic idea is that you cannot just jump on one spice and start taking loads of it and see results. There is more to it than that. Also, interesting to hear the doctors on the call say if the researchers think they will get the same healing results by islolating the ingredients they think are the active ones in a spice, they will not. They may record great results initially but eventually taking just part of a spice, they will eventually see side effects like those that happen with other modern drugs. It reminds me of the slogan Dr. Lad taught me years ago, "Anything can be a medicine , but if it had side effects Ayurveda would not call it a medicine."<br /><br />So Ayurvedic teachings ask us to understand that nature made spices whole and that is the way they should be used. Ofcourse, prevention is better than cure so please use spice in your food. Spice not only makes food taste great so your body is primed to digest but it brings prana into food and provides phytonutrients just not available in grains, fruits and vegetable, dairy and meat products alone. <br /><br />I very much hope we will see a greater emphasis on cooking in Ayurvedic studies and that student will be encouraged to discover how people the world over use spice.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-56161865781182576332011-02-07T11:48:00.000-08:002011-02-07T12:25:41.776-08:00SPICEIn his wonderful book <em>Healing Spices,</em> Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bharat</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Aggarwal</span> describes spices as, " the jewels of the plant kingdom". Meaning, they are the most precious foods that bestow health and promote healing in a variety of ways. He goes onto say, that most spices are powerful antioxidants that act in the body to control and disarm "free radicals" the very chemicals thought to damage cells and cause illness and aging. Many contain <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">phytonutrients</span> that calm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inflammation</span> another root cause of several deadly health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer's. He discribes this process as fighting inner rust in the body, an image I love. Interestingly, recent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">research</span> has found that cultures whose native diet makes regular use of spice have lower rates of colon cancer, heart disease and mental problems. We have all been led to believe that your five servings of fruit and veg is enough but apparently spices contain unique compounds that have been shown to<br /><ul><li>protect tissues against cancer</li><li>boost our immune systems</li><li>protect brain cells</li><li>ease arthritis pain</li><li>relax <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">menstrual</span> cramps</li><li>tame nausea</li><li>control appetite, helping weight loss</li><li>benefit and protect the skin</li></ul><p>So get ready to spice up your life. Still not convinced?</p><p>I have to tell you this book is a fascinating read, the recipes are fantastic and original and the whole text inspired me to use even more spice on, in and around my body. Just a taste of the gems of wisdom Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bharat</span> has to share...</p><p>Acne- 500mg of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">turmeric</span> twice a day</p><p>Age spots - blend of oil using essential oil of oregano</p><p>Depression- 15mg of saffron twice daily bet out <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Prozac</span> in a good number of cases</p><p>Unwanted hair growth in women - 2 cups of spearmint tea during and five days after your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">menstrual</span> cycle.</p><p>Interested now ? I've been glued to this book and it has prompted a search for more spicy a<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">yurvedic</span> skin care <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">formulas</span>. I'll keep you posted. </p>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-24387883806054108342011-02-02T12:56:00.000-08:002011-02-02T13:22:58.276-08:00COFFEE - A HEALTH DRINK?<div align="left">If you are health conscious but still are attached to your morning cup of Jo you might be cheered to hear what Dr. Frank Hu of Harvard School of Public Health has to say about coffee.<br /><br /><em>“There is certainly much more good news than bad news, </em></div><div align="left"><em>in terms of coffee and health.”</em><br /><br />The present studies are not completely conclusive because it is possible that coffee drinkers in general have better diets, exercise more or have protective genes. But, the findings are interesting and truly support the Ayurvedic idea that every substance can be healing. This is good news since the average American downs 416 eight ounce cups of the delicious java annually (2009 statistic) and it is thought to be the main source of antioxidants in much of the population. Here are 10 disorders that coffee may help or at least have a preventive function in terms of deducing risk factors.<br /><br />1. <strong>Type II Diabetes:</strong> More than 15 studies point to the fact that the type of diabetes that is not inherited may benefit from coffee. Interestingly, decaf and full caffeine coffee have similar effects. Possibly because it is chlorgoenic acid found in coffee that is thought to be the active ingredient responsible. Though Dr. Hu thinks more ayurvedically, when he says,“It’s the whole package.” Coffee is rich in antioxidants -- nutrients that help prevent tissue damage caused by molecules called oxygen-free radicals. Coffee also contains minerals such as magnesium and chromium, which help the body use the hormone insulin, which controls blood sugar (glucose) the main difficulty in diabetes.<br /><br />2. <strong>Cancer:</strong> According to the Harvard Health Publications of Harvard Medical School, studies have shown that those who drink coffee are 50 percent less likely to suffer from cancer. Most specifically studied were breast, rectal and colon cancers.<br /><br />3. <strong>Parkinson’s Disease:</strong> Coffee has also been linked to lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. A 2009 study from Finland and Sweden showed that, out of 1,400 people followed for about 20 years, those who reported drinking 3-5 cups of coffee daily were 65% less likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, compared with nondrinkers or occasional coffee drinkers. The reasons for this are still unclear and are not conclusive as other environmental factors have not been isolated.<br /><br />4. <strong>Heart Problems:</strong> Possibly because coffee is actually a natural antioxidant source coffee is thought to help decrease risk factors for heart attack, stroke and heart rhythm disturbances. Antioxidants help to keep the blood clean, thus possibly helping to prevent high blood pressure and heart disease. But remember, these benefits were found in tests where men or women were drinking 1-3 cups of coffee a day, no more.<br /><br />5. <strong>Cirrhosis of the Liver:</strong> Cirrhosis of the liver is a common ailment among alcoholics, though others can suffer from it too. Fortunately, several studies have shown that those who drink coffee regularly are 80 percent less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver. Again we are not sure why but those coffee enemas deep clean the liver.<br /><br />6. <strong>Losing Weight:</strong> Coffee really can get you doing in the morning. In fact, it boosts your metabolism which can also help to burn off calories. But only if you do get up and go! That combined with the fact coffee is naturally low in calories, makes coffee a prime drink for losing weight. It also helps with regular bowel movements, literally moving out dead weight. Just keep in mind it’s all the sugars and creams added to coffee that can make it fattening. A 6-ounce cup of black coffee contains just 7 calories. Add some half & half and you'll get 46 calories. If you favor a liquid nondairy creamer, that will set you back 48 calories. A teaspoon of sugar will add about 23 calories.<br /><br />7. <strong>Asthma:</strong> Medicines for asthma almost always contain high does of caffeine because caffeine helps with the symptoms of asthma. So what’s more natural than coffee for a dose some caffeine?<br /><br />8. <strong>Natural Diuretic:</strong> Need to shed a little water weight? If so, then you should try drinking coffee. Not only is coffee a natural diuretic, but it also naturally cleanses the stomach as it passes through. Beware, however, because this is not true for everyone; some people have shown to have upset stomachs after drinking coffee. So just try a little and see how your body reacts to it.<br /><br />9. <strong>Gall Stones: </strong>Coffee apparently lowers the levels of cholesterol in stomach bile, thus helping to prevent the body from building up gall stones. Studies have shown this works best for those who drink lots of coffee.<br /><br />10. <strong>Exercise:</strong> Coffee is even good for exercise. No, it won’t give you supper muscles, but the caffeine in coffee gives your body some extra energy, which can allow you to run or workout all that much longer, and possibly harder. As always, beware ingesting too much caffeine.<br /><br /><strong>BE WARNED!</strong><br />The effects on pregnant women drinking more than 12 ounces of coffee a day might increase the risk for miscarriage, low birth weight and premature delivery.<br /><br />Drink a lot of coffee and you may head to the bathroom more often. Caffeine is a mild diuretic – that is, it makes you urinate more than you would without it. Some sources say you need to drink thee glasses of water to compensate for one cup of coffee. In Europe coffee is often served with a cup of hot water. Decaf on the other hand has about the same effect on urine production as water.<br /><br />Decaf drinkers are more likely to be suicidal.<br /><br />Both regular and decaffeinated coffee contain acids that can make heartburn worse.<br /><br /><strong>CHECK OUT SHAKTI SHOTS<br /><br /></strong>A new product coming soon from Diamond Way Ayurveda<br /><br />It's a blend of liquid spice essences that make coffee taste great while buffering the strong effects of the coffee acids for a gentling of ht eimpact on the stomach and kidneys.<br /></div><strong></strong>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-34874707087245984592011-01-25T13:40:00.000-08:002011-01-25T14:24:50.958-08:00Ayurveda local or Indian?It has come up once this last week and it took me back a little then it came up again and that got me thinking. Ayurveda local or Indian?<br /><br />The first time the question came up recently was when I was on a radio talk show. I was giving information about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">abhyanga</span> and the use of various custom oils. I made the suggestion of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">mahanarayan</span> oil to help comfort rheumatic joints. A caller came back with the request not for the best source of organic <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">mahanarayan</span> oil but what could I suggest that could be sourced more locally. I suggested ginger or garlic oil.<br /><br />The second time was on an email contact from a company in Peru asking if using <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ayurvedic</span> spa techniques with local herbal oils and plant materials would be something I thought would be a viable idea.<br /><br />My response in both cases is on the one hand, we are blessed to have Ayurveda because it is a very complete system of totally trust worthy principles and, on the other hand, I believe the spirit of Ayurveda calls us to apply these principles in our own lives, in our own way with the materials we find talk to us. So yes, I support the idea of oils made from local ingredients, and I think Amazonian Ayurveda would be fantastic. I am all for honoring the principles and discovering American Ayurveda or in my case Californian Ayurveda. I look forward to the day when I can get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">castor</span> oil from Californian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">castor</span> plants or understand our native plant medicine enough to heal ourselves.<br /><br />My latest find is powdered plantain leaf form Mountain Rose herbals. It is a gentle facial <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">exfoliant</span> and terrific mask ingredient even for my very sensitive skin.<br /><br />Let us know your Ayurveda Local remedies.<br /><br /><a href="mailto:melaniesachs@earthlink.net">melaniesachs@earthlink.net</a>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-41742197523972502512011-01-07T11:26:00.000-08:002011-01-07T12:09:26.184-08:00Benefits of a Good Hot Bath<div>For the last two weeks I've been struggling with one of the nastiest, fluish colds I've ever experienced in my adult life. As I flopped around the house wondering what to do help myself some words of wisdom from my wonderful mother floated up in my consciousness. She would always say, "What you need is a nice cup of tea and good hot bath and you'll fell so much better." So that is exactly what I do. A herbal tea, a hot bath and an afternoon nap and I did feel so much better. So much so it really got me to thinking and feeling deep gratitude for the wonders of modern pumping. A hot bath was not something available in the average household a hundred years ago. You would have had to have been wealthy or near a natural hot springs to experience such a thing.<br />The benefits of bathing are talked about in Ayurvedic texts but they are also very much part of the European spa tradition. As I was mooning around unable to focus for long on anything I rediscovered the book, Inner Cleansing by Carlson Wade. It is one of those slightly funky natural medicine texts that promises miracle cures for pennies using ingredients you might find in your pantry. I was trickles to discover in first chapter a few paragraphs on how to take a bath for joint health. I've followed his instructions to the T for the last three days and I really think it is the main thing that has helped in my recovery. So when ever you feel tired, achy, have joint pain or just want to perk up a bit try this. Be sure to pay attention to times and temperatures because they make all the difference.<br />CARLSON WADE - "STEAM CLEANING"<br />Fill a bath with water that is 96-103 degrees.<br />Immerse yourself and rest covered by the water for 15-20 minutes.<br />Stay in the bath but let it drain.<br />Stand up and put on a hot shower then gradually reduce the temperature to tepid. Stay in the tepid shower for 5 minutes.<br />Pat yourself dry and get into bed and rest.<br />Bathe like this once in the morning and before you try to rest at night.<br /><br />BENEFITS<br />The soak opens your pores and allows toxins to float out.<br />The warm soothes the nerves, allow the body and mind to relax and heal.<br /><br />It is great to oil the body afterward with one of Diamond Way Ayurveda Body oils.<br />You can also try the Tension or Joint Lotion on particularly sore spots before you soak.<br /></div>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-42321614126551052292010-12-09T14:35:00.000-08:002010-12-09T14:39:38.643-08:00The Beauty of Women - a quotefrom the Karma SutraA beautiful analogy:<br /><br />" It took the lightness of the leaf and the elegance of the fawn, the rejoicing sun rays and the tears of the mist, the inconsistency of the wind and the shyness of the hare, the vanity of the peacock and the smoothness of the swallow's neck. It was also added the hardness of the diamond, the sweetness of the honey, the cruelty of the tiger, the warmth of the fire and the coldness of the snow. And to this it was added the cooing of the dove and the twitting of the jay. Then it was all mixed up and a woman was formed. "<br /><br />Tvashtri, Hindu's mythology (over 2000 years old).Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-7698157774039393692010-11-26T15:16:00.000-08:002010-11-26T15:41:24.053-08:00Raw Milk - what the Vedas were talking aboutRAW MILK<br /><br />Coming to Ayurvedic diet from Macrobiotics it was hard for me to accept milk as part of a healthy, healing diet. Yet, milk has been considered a "health food" for thousands of years all over the Indian continent and in my native Europe. Was it just that our macrobiotic teachers were Japanese and part of a people who fermented soy beans rather than dairy foods? Or, did they know that what the American people were being offered by the gallon at the store ready pasteurized and homogenized was not remotely similar to the milk of our ancestors.<br /><br />Raw milk is a whole food and still contains all its pro-biotic bacteria, enzymes and fats and is as the vedas promised highly anti-inflammatory. It is well tolerated by the lactose intolerant due to the natural bacteria in milk producing lactase enzyme. It helps rather than chokes up asthma and air born allergy sufferers. It contains phosphatase that is destroyed in the pasteurization process which help the body absorb vital minerals including calcium making a great food of choice for those with osteoporosis. Both raw milk and fermented raw dairy products such as kefir and yogurt are healing for the GI tract and have been shown to help with ulcers, irritable bowel and even Crohn's disease. Healing the intestines heals 80% of the immune system, just as Ayurveda has always taught. Take care of digestion first!<br /><br />For more information check out www.rawmilk.com.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-73228493975464658502010-11-23T19:34:00.000-08:002010-11-23T19:48:22.584-08:00Sweet Prayer<div align="left">This was sent to me by a couple we have never meet. They found us on this wonderful internet. They live in northern Australia and are truely a world away but our hearts are close. They called and spoke to us so gently. Then they gave us this gift which is meant for sharing. May many find it eventually.</div><br /><div align="center">"May today there be peace within.</div><div align="center">May you trust you are exactly where you are meant to be. </div><div align="center">May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.</div><div align="center">May you use the gifts you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.</div><div align="center">May you be content with yourself just the way you are.</div><div align="center">Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance praise and love.</div><div align="center">It is there for each and everyone of us."</div><div align="center"> </div>Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-86020641471854120492010-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:002010-11-22T11:36:47.787-08:00COSMIC VIBRATIONAyurvedic treatments rely in part on what is now being called energy medicine. Diamond Way Ayurveda treatments that include work with both marmas and chakras are obvious examples of energy medicine. But energy is also at work in less obvious ways when we use a bell, gong, take time for a prayer at the beginning or end of a treatment or simply extend the hope that we are doing something useful to bring the client into better balance.<br /><br />Recently I was sent a quote by an Indian yogi that explains energy healing in a beautiful way. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.<br /><br />"When we vibrate in the same way as cosmic vibration, we get in tune with the cosmos. That is why when we repeat OM, we feel cosmic peace. That cosmic vibrations vibrates in our own body. It bring a a sort of realignment in all of the cells of the body, an adjustment or new rhythm. When the cells of the body run restlessly in different ways, we feel sick. But, when we arrange that vibration to make it run smoothly, we feel happy and get healed. By constant repetition of OM, we will be able to mend many physical ailments and, ultimately, the mind also. Then you will experience physical health, mental peace and pure happiness." SWAMIJI<br /><br />Repeating OM is one way. Touching with love is another. Intention heals too.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-52655485858669834012010-11-17T19:25:00.000-08:002010-11-17T19:31:14.488-08:00WHAT IS FAIR TRADEWHAT IS FAIR TRADE?<br /><br /> “Fair Trade is a people-powered solution to global economic injustice.”<br />People powdered means bringing about a solution by voting with your choices and your dollars. If people demand more Fair Trade then more businesses will endeavor to become fair trade. We have already witnessed this trend with organic products. Fair trade is the next level in some ways and demand is growing.<br /><br /> What is this economic injustice and how is Fair Trade a solution? The injustice is basically that very often the original producer is paid barely enough to keep them alive while others down the production chain pull in disproportionately large profits. Fair Trade is changing this equation and more besides.<br />In order for a product or ingredient to be called a Fair Trade item it must be certified by an American or International Fair Trade organization and to gain that certification the producer has to prove three main things.<br /><br />1. People along every step in the production chain must receive a fair living wage.<br />2. Workers and their communities are must be treated with dignity.<br />3. Artisans and producers must take steps to preserve the health of themselves and their environment.<br /><br /> A Fair Trade economy is based on real justice, personal dignity, empowerment of workers, transparency of business practices and respect for all people and the planet we all depend on for life itself.<br /><br /> Know that all essential oils used in Diamond Way Ayurveda products are Fair Trade and support organic farming practices all over the world.<br /><br />Green America’s Guide to Fair Trade which you can download at www.fairtradeeaction.com or order copies by calling 800/58-GREEN.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-43219948444910296812010-11-02T10:56:00.000-07:002010-11-02T11:24:37.097-07:00Continuing Education Hours Now Available for Distance LearningDiamond Way Ayurveda is very happy to announce that registered massage therapists and massage practitioners can now get Continuing Education Hours (CE Hours)for completing our distance learning programs.<br /><br />CE Hours are now available in three subject areas<br /><br /><strong>Ayurvedic Face Rejuvenation <br /><br />Tibetan Shirodhara and <br /><br />Pedikarma(TM) </strong><br /><br />All three of these Ayurvedic programs use both our book Ayurvedic Spa (LOTUS PRESS) and one of the three DVD’s which have always been available on our website www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com. <br /><br />Each program takes on average 3 hours to complete so we can offer 3 CE hours per subject area.<br /><br />Each program costs $80 which includes the cost of the book, <em>Ayurvedic Spa</em> the DVD, delivery and return of test materials (postage as needed) and administrative fees for grading the test and registering results with NCBTMB.<br /><br /><strong>$80 for 3 CU’s</strong><br /><br />The cost of the program can be adjusted if you already have exactly the same book or exactly the same DVD already in your possession. $30 credit will be given for either the book or the DVD. $55 for the book and the DVD.<br /><br />You can find further description of the courses and register for the distance learning classes by going to www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com and checking on the <br /><br />HOME PAGE<br /><br />CALENDAR OF EVENTS or<br /><br />SHOPPING CART<br /><br />We hope this exciting development will serve more of you and help the spread of Ayurvedic Body Work. We also hope that it will encourage you to come to classes and/ or check out the products that support the treatments. <br /><br />As ever you can always call 866-303-3321 for further information.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-62943472712523666102010-10-19T11:08:00.000-07:002010-10-19T11:25:07.152-07:00Ayurvedic CUs now availableWe are happy to announce that Diamond Way Ayurveda is now able to offer what used to be called Continuing Education Credits now called CUs for distance learning for three of our treatment.<br /><br />AYURVEDIC FACE REJUVENATION<br /><br />TIBETAN SHIRODHARA<br /><br />PEDIKARMA<br /><br />Each course requires you view our DVD on the subject, read the chapter in Ayurvedic Spa and answer 25 questions to gain 3 CUs.<br /><br />The course costs $80 with a $30 credit for the book and /or the DVD if you already have these in your posession.<br /><br />We hope this serves you all well and will be of use especially to those who cannot travel to our in house classes.<br /><br />Check our website or call for more details 866-303-3321Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-4145018109784276282010-10-18T14:31:00.000-07:002010-10-18T15:01:27.130-07:00Benefits of AbhyangaABHYANGA is a traditional Ayurvedic technique that is designed to bring<br />beauty and vitality to the Body by the application of customized oils.<br />Abhyanga pronounced ABBEY ANGER actually more like ABBEY UNGER with the unger being like the second part of Younger is a Sanskrit word. Like many words each syllable has a meaning. In this case ABHY means to rub and ANGA means limbs. It is also described in ayurvedic classical texts as, “Smearing the body with unctuous or oily substance” or “Stroking the hands all over, all around the body in a gentle manner” or the translation i feel is at the heart of the technique, “TO TOUCH WITH LOVE.”<br />Practiced for thousands of years as a self massage technique to support health, beauty, and longevity it is recorded in many ancient writings including the Charaka Samhita. Today is it is practiced in spas in healing centers all over the world.<br />Traditionally men work on men and women with women. It maybe offered by one, two or more therapists whose hands must work in harmony in perfect coordination.<br /><br />Traditional benefits listed in Sutrasthanam V. 78-93 <br />The body becomes <br />•Firm<br />•Smooth-skinned<br />•Free from disturbances of vata - that otherwise prematurely age the body and cause pain <br />•Tolerant of exertions of hard work and exercise<br />•Not affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries or strenuous work<br />•Endowed with pleasant touch<br />•Trimmed in all body parts and <br />•Strong, charming and least affected by old age.<br /><br />A beautiful quote which offers a perfect comparison says,<br /> <br />“Oily substances infused into the human organism imparts a tone and vigor to its tissues in the same manner as water furnishes the roots of a tree or a plant with the necessary nutritive elements and fosters its growth when poured into the soil where it grows.” Susruta <br /><br />So is Abhyanga for estheticians or massage therapists or both? It can be called a full body facial or a full body massage depending on the way you describe it and the claims you make for the outcome.<br /><br />Full Body Facial<br />•oil selected according to skin and body type<br />•optionally - skin cleansed in bath or shower<br />•oil applied to the skin all over the body with caring touch<br />•oil allowed to penetrate the skin which maybe helped by a warm linen wrap or steam treatment<br />•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan <br /> <br />Full Body Massage <br />•oil selected specific therapeutic benefits<br />•oil worked into the skin with repeated strokes<br />•time allowed for oil to penetrate the skin<br />•oil removed with herbal cleanser – ubtan <br /><br />What is unique to Abhyanga?<br /> Intention of the therapist<br /> Customized oil selection according to body type, condition and/or season<br /> Importance of the type and quality of oil used<br /> Working with the natural flows of subtle energy in the body<br /> Stimulating marma points<br /> More time spent on the abdomen and joints<br /> Use of ubtan – herbal cleansing powder <br /><br />INTENTION<br /> Mind always precedes body<br /> The greatest gift is CONNECTION<br /> “The mechanics for the fulfillment of any desire are inherent in the desire itself.” Dr. Chopra <br />•time<br />•space<br />•presence and full attention to see for your client that the highest good arising from your care <br /><br />CUSTOMIZING OIL<br /> Vata oils – warm, calm and nourish<br /> Pitta oils – cool, sooth, and relax<br /> Kapha oils – warm, comfort, stimulate<br />Think of these oils as foods that is served in ways to please and nurture<br /> Vata – long, slow, deliberate, predictable<br /> Pitta – precise, lifting, giving a sense of<br /> expanse<br /> Kapha – more intense, warming, varied,<br /> quicker <br /> <br />BENEFITS FOR BODY AND SKIN <br /> Reverses/prevents aging - increasing longevity<br /> Removes fatigue and stress from the body<br /> Enhances flexibility in the muscles and joints – Trims and firms the body<br /> Mobilizes impurities and flushes toxins from the tissues <br /> Heals and strengthens the nervous system<br /> Promotes good vision and sharpens the all senses<br /> Nourishes the body and balances appetite<br /> Makes the body firm and trim<br /> Creates an electromagnetic balance in the body<br /> Stimulates antibody production which boosts the immune system<br /> Rejuvenates the skin – improving texture, tone, color, vitality and hydration<br /> <br />Oils are a major anti-oxidant and is bacteriostatic, so they discourages growth of germs, bacteria, fungi, and viruses and scavenges free radicals.<br /><br />BENEFITS FOR MIND <br /> The mind feels a sense of comfort which produces a state of relaxed or restful alertness<br /> Remedies insomnia<br /> Reduces anxiety<br /> Helps balance the emotions so we feel happier and more connected<br /> Improves self esteem<br /> Helps overcome a sense of Isolation and loneliness<br /> helps balance vata, pitta and kapha doshas <br /> Works by producing Human Growth Hormone<br /> Starts the “tend-and-befriend" response,women producing more oxytocin <br /> Helps in lowering cortisol levels<br /><br />Great resons why Abhyanga should be part of your weekly routine.<br /><br />Now we suggest you take our Ayurvedic Body Type test and select one or two body oils then take out Ayurvedic Skin Type test and select one or two of our face oils and start doing abhyanga for yourself.<br /><br />Simply apply 1-2oz of oil all over your body and 1 to 2 pumps of oil to your face. Use long strokes and rub vigorously over your long bones and circular movements over your joints. Leave on your skin for a maximum of 20 minutes and rinse off. You can use our Rose Ubtan for a more complete body polish, tension Lotion for tight muscles, joint lotion for stiff or sore joints and backs and breast oil if you want to offer extra love to your breasts.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-48572099175328744812010-10-14T18:41:00.000-07:002010-10-14T18:54:18.209-07:00The Magic of KansaWhen Melanie first heard about <strong>kansa</strong> in France, she was amazed at how relaxing it was to receive a foot treatment, kansa vataki, on her feet. This lead us to create our PediKarma foot treatment.<br /><br />During that time we thought kansa was a unique, but ancient metal and that it was only used therapeutically on the feet.<br /><br />But, then we were approached by an Indian doctor who both de-mystified kansa for us and at the same time, broadened our understanding of just how effective using kansa anywhere on the body is.<br /><br />The fact is, kansa is a highly refined and pure form of bronze, made of copper and tin, with a tinge of zinc. It was one of the first created alloys and one of its capacities is that it is a phenomonal carrier of electric, hence electro-magnetic currents. So, think of the nervous system, the acupuncture merideans, and the marma network. All are stimulated and all benfit from kansa on the feet, the face, the back, virtually anywhere.<br /><br />Check out our face and foot kansa wands at our website. And, if you are already using and/or are a fan of kansa, we'd love to hear your experiences. We believe that kansa is the next big wave in the bodywork, aesthetic, and spa industries - something that has been around for millenium and is now come back into the light of day.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-73153067645983355582010-08-03T11:11:00.000-07:002010-08-03T11:25:45.278-07:00Karmic Management - the next stepSo we have read the book KARMIC MANAGEMENT by Geshe Michael Roche and friends through once together, that's Bbo and I, felt really inspired and then put it down and got into another great book by the same authors called HOW YOGA WORKS. It too is a really great read. Very simple prose but fantastic description of how yoga really works from the Tibetan prospective. We now read the yoga story at night and have gone back to Karmic Management in the morning. It is so interesting how even the most inspiring and worthwhile ideas take time to integrate themselves into our life and how much just doing something it takes to make it happen.<br /> <br />The book is set out in chapters with a TO DO list at the end of each chapter. The first task is to choose a project that you want to work on. Easy you might think, but our business and interests fly in so many directions we might just have to choose one dream each. The two dreams presently under consideration is KANSA - the massage tool for face and feet and AYURVEDIC OILS. Then of course there are my fairies that you can start to see on Facebook. They are always flying around wanting attention and making up stories. The chapter we read this morning was about not making decisions so this will be an interesting journey. Come along.Melanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-152167555506058117.post-32600944495704765162010-07-21T19:42:00.000-07:002010-07-21T19:47:41.064-07:00THOUGHTS ON THE GULFFEELING THAT TREMOR IN THE FORCE?<br /> I first felt what is best described by the Star Wars phrase, “a tremor in the force” when I was around nine years old. I so clearly remember that morning. I walked into my parent’s bedroom as they were drinking their first cup of tea for the day when they told me The American President, President Kennedy had been shot to death. Suddenly and strangely I felt like my whole world changed that day even though I was just a little girl in England who had no idea then that one day she would become an American citizen.<br /> I felt it again the day Princess of Wales, Lady Diana, died. I knew to the depth of my bones that day that my nation was in shock and mourning. Only this once in all the years that I have lived in American did I feel the need to reach out and talk to my British friends here and somehow link into the grief and sadness we knew was hanging over our island for some kind of group comfort.<br /> Then came 9/11 and I sat and watched with my American family hardly able to take on board what I was seeing. In the following days I experienced for myself what it was like to be in and part of a nation in shock and sorrow. <br /> Now, with America being engaged in the longest war we have ever fought and fairly regular news of terrorist attacks we each have found our own way to cope with troubling news stories that so rarely come to our doorstep. Until now most for most of us the pain and sorrow is felt in distant lands or in the scattered homes of our returning veterans. But, the events in the Gulf of Mexico in these last few months has changed that. Now we have an oil spill that might just be biggest man-made disaster in the history of the planet. This dreadful accident killed 11 good men and injured and burnt many others. It’s toxic plume has killed unknown hundreds of thousands of our fellow creatures and is ruining the lives and livelihoods of countless Americans. With no end in sight the trouble may well spread to Mexico, the Caribbean and where ever else the current will eventually transport this mess. We are now witnessing a silent but still deadly storm, moving from dark cold places through our blue waters, onto our white beaches and choking our pristine marshlands bringing with it death and destruction that will remain for generations. <br /> When I first heard the word ecopsychology I must admit I thought it was the latest wave of California madness supported by grey haired intellectuals, tree hugging hippies, raw food vegans and the like. It took a disaster of this magnitude to wake me up to the truth of what is a core belief of ecopsychology. That is, that we are all connected, consciously or unconsciously we all feel when there is a “tremor in the force”. There is indeed a synergistic relation between planetary and personal well being; that the needs of the one of us, plant, animal or human are relevant to the needs of all others. We are all connected and we indeed do feel one another’s pain. For me this time the impact is being felt slowly and deeply. Unlike the oil that continues to gush, real news about what is going on in our Gulf is only very slowly immerging. But it is on all our minds, and looms in all our mental peripheral fields. I know it is the minds of our clients. <br /> We acknowledge the stress of city living, long commutes, noise, over stimulation by the media. I am suggesting we need to recognize a new and even more powerful stresser, alienation from our environment and the stress of the of the impact from the “crazy” decisions that are made when personnel in International companies are disconnected. We must open our eyes, hearts and minds and look become part of the ecopsychology movement. We must find ways through our spa facilities and spa treatment to contribute to it’s goal to find ways of healing alienation and to build a sane society and a sustainable culture. <br /> The term comes from Theodore Rosak’s book, The Voice of the Earth. Written in 1992 he called for a study of why people continue to behave in “crazy” ways that damage the very earth that supports all our lives and for the development of new ways to motivate people to positive action and positive protest. Personally, I feel spa especially green spas have a huge role to play in this new field. First, we can reassure our clients that they are not nuts or alone in feeling stressed by environmental disasters be they manmade such as in the Gulf or natural such as the earthquake in Haiti. Then, we can hopefully be part of the solution helping by offering touch and connection with natural elements such as oil, water, warm and clay, to reconnect, raise respect and revitalize ourselves and our planet. <br /> On a purely practical level if you have a client that says they have a deep sense of overwhelming, immobilizing sadness and anger about the oil spill you might connect them with this prayer by Dr. Masaru Emoto, the author of "The Hidden Messages in Water". He's the Japanese scientist who has researched and written about how our thoughts and words affect the molecular structure water. Here is the prayer, but watching the you tube clip is really a worthwhile way to use a few minutes of your precious time. www.youtube.com/watch?v=U56ngpGDG_4. <br />To the water, whales, dolphins, pelicans, fishes, shellfishes, planktons, corals, algae and all creatures in our Gulf of Mexico:<br /><br />I apologize.<br />Please forgive me.<br />Thank you.<br />I love you."<br /><br />- Dr. Masaru Emoto<br /><br />Melanie SachsMelanie and Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09168055786114946761noreply@blogger.com0