Wise Woman skin care: using essential oils for natural healing.

Wise women will notice that therapeutic grade pure essential oils are often found in the highest quality beauty care products designed for mature skin. It is known that essential oils have many beneficial and therapeutic properties including the stimulation of cellular metabolism, the regeneration of tissues, reduction of oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as various hormone-like activity. These known benefits are the therapeutic fundamentals for wise woman topical support of the health and beauty of aging skin. Not only are these natural (nature made) essential oils good for the skin, they are much kinder to the planet than synthetic concoctions made in a laboratory and the results of using pure therapeutic grade essential oils on one’s skin can certainly be as profound. Beyond these obvious benefits, the wise woman (that’s you) can make a skin care blend that is precisely suited to her skin’s personal needs and at a fraction of the cost of the high-end synthetic blends. Many of the ingredients that are required are available locally at your health food store. The more exotic items found either on the internet or through mail order from providers of therapeutic-grade aromatherapy and apothecary supplies. As a curious woman you may ask, “What makes essential oils and their complementary carrier oils so effective for natural skin care?” The answer is found in nature herself. It happens that their elemental structures of the plant oils are beautifully and decidedly compatible with that of our skin. The truth is, essential oils are easily absorbed through the various layers of the skin and even through the skin’s individual cell walls. This compatibility makes them extremely simple to create and use your own formulas.

Evidence shows that the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Japanese, Russians, and Indians all worked on the feet as a tool to encourage good health. Originally known as ‘reflex zone therapy’, Reflexology is a holistic healing method that involves pressure and massage of the reflex points found on the feet and/or the hands. Reflexology teaches that one’s vital energy circulates between the organs of the body, permeating every living cell and tissue. If the energy becomes “blocked”, the part of the body relating to the blockage is affected. These reflexes found on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands reflect the health of the whole organism. Through stimulation of the circulatory and lymphatic systems, and by encouraging the release of toxins, Reflexology supports the body in healing itself.

A method for “activating the healing powers of the body”, modern Reflexology is both a science and an art. As a science, it requires careful study, practice, technical knowledge, and skill. As a healing art, Reflexology works best when the therapist works with patience, dedication, intention, and (most importantly) loving care.

Reflexology is not a “foot massage”. Reflexology does not diagnose illness. Reflexology does not treat specific diseases. However, when combined with sound healing practices, reflexology can help to facilitate healing.

Many benefits of Reflexology:

• Stress Reduction and Relaxation- Reflexology assists in alleviating the effects of stress by inducing deep relaxation. The nervous system is allowed to rest and consequently functions in a more balanced state. As the body moves toward homeostasis, healing can take effect.

• Cleanses toxins and impurities from the body- Gravity pulls toxins downward. Inorganic waste material (such as uric acid and calcium crystals) can accumulate in bottom of the feet. An experienced Reflexologist can break up these crystals with various reflexology techniques.

Beginner’s Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences - they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over. We are blessed to have fabulous resources for essential oils here in the United States - but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come in contact with stimulating essential oils).

When used correctly however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child - ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.

That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child’s health, happiness and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in a oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories: 1) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents, 2) Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and 3) Assisting your child in getting quality rest.

When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of high vibration therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or other local stores can make a nice container for the bottles.

”The responsibility of knowledge is to share it’ Hollis Littlecreek, Ojibwe elder.

I am writing this as an opportunity to support the dynamic and diverse energies in each of the women in our lives. As women we encompass many different aspects of the goddess. Initially we are daughters and (perhaps) sisters as well. We are apprentice priestesses and maidens as young ladies and we carry these aspects with us even as we grow and learn and age. We may choose to marry and birth children becoming wives and mothers all the while the daughter aspect, the priestess, and the maiden still inform and present themselves in our lives. All women eventually realize that they are sisters to all other beings and a part of the beautiful matrix of life. In the indigenous Cherokee tradition, it is said that we become an adult at 52 years of age. It is a wholistic approach th at provides ways and means for an individual to live their whole life as a dynamic process of spirituality in action.

Some questions to ask of your heart: Where are the places you have lost or given away your power? What beliefs do you hold that deny your power? What helps you to re-connect to your divine self?

Like each woman, each flower holds a powerful, dynamic, and unique potential. The following flower essences may prove helpful in nourishing, healing, deepening, and expanding your connection to your essence:

Alpine Lily: Alpine Lily flower essence stimulates the integration of the feminine and female selves, promoting circulation between the higher and lower energy centers. The soul learns that its full energy and potential depends of the utilization of the bodily female as well as the spiritual feminine from this flower essence.

Are You Addicted?
The following questions come from the fabulous book, ‘Addiction-Free Naturally’ by. Master Herbalist and Living Foods Educator: Brigitte Mars

1) Do You feel that you don’t want to stop indulging in a particular substance-caffeine, sugar, tobacco, drugs, alcohol-right now, although you could at any time?

2) Have you tried to stop for a week but been unable to do so?

3) Do you resent the advice of others who express concern about your substance use?

4) Have you ever tried to control your addiction by switching to an alternative addictive substance? For instance, have you taken up smoking so that you could give up drinking?

5) Do you envy people who can indulge without getting into trouble?

6) Has your substance use created problems with friends and family?

7) Do you try to avoid family or friends when you’re using your substance?

Have you lost relationships because of substance abuse?

9) Are your friendships determined by whether others indulge in the same substance as you?

10) Do you indulge in your substance alone?

11) Have you ever neglected your family or work for more than two days in a row due to substance abuse?

12) When substances are limited or unavailable at social events, do you try to obtain some anyway?

13) Have you missed time from work during this past year due to substance abuse?

14) Has your substance of choice stopped being fun to use?

15) When you are low on your substance, do you feel anxious or worried about how to get more?

16) Do you plan your life around your substance use?

17) Do you ever consume more of your particular substance than you intend to?

‘Deep within our hearts a fire glows. It spirals out, expanding, filling the body with warmth and a great sense of peace. The body is filled with light. The inner body becomes ever more clear. The seed of most pure mind arises untarnished from the stream of thought. The mind sees many images unfold; many feelings, many thougths float on that stream. The wise human being cultivates those thoughts which are nurturing. Be not attached to the stream of fear, anger, or doubt. Recognize the stream of pure mind.’ - Cherokee Wisdom Elder Dhyani Ywahoo (Voices of our ancestors)

If you assumer that there’s no hope, you guarantee that there will be no hope.
If you assume that there is an instinct for freedom, that there are opportunities
to change things there’s a chance you may contribute to making a better world.
That’s you choice.
- Noam Chomsky

‘Hope is not the closing in your eyes to the difficulty, the risk, or the failure. It is a trust that if I fail now - I shall not fail forever; and if I am hurt, I shall be healed. It is a trust that life is good, love is powerful, and the future is full of promise.’ - anonymous

‘Each thought, each action in the sunlight of awareness becomes sacred. In this light, no boundary exists between the sacred and the profane.’ - Thich Nhat Hahn (Peace in every step)

‘Love and compassion are necessitites, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive’ - H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us: it’s in everyone.
As we let our own light shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.

Tao Te Cheng (Verse 10)

While nourishing both mind and body
Can you keep them joined in Unity
While focusing your awareness in the present moment
Can you retain the flexibility of a child
Turning inward to your deep still center
Can you fill it with the purest light
While showing respect and compassion for others can you avoid interfering
As conditions of life expand and then contract again
Can you remain grounded in your stance
Now this clear eyed openness to the ebb and flow
Can it be maintained without straining
Birthing and nourishing
Creating and grasping
Acting without presuming
Guiding without controlling
This is integrity
The profound virtue

”Look in the perfume of flowers and of nature for peace of mind and joy in life.” –Wang Wei

Define your paradigm for healing!
Ladies and gentle-men…love yourselves!!!

Nourish your inner world and heal your body, mind, and heart. Let your sacred spirit soar in this divine incarnation…the first steps to well-being are to trust your intuition and deeply listen…

Intuition: Trust your inner wisdom. You are co-creating your life. Make your decisions from your highest self and make friends with your innate beauty. Re-connect with your innate divine nature. Enjoy your blessings and completely engage in your life.

The breasts are deeply connected with our ability to receive nourishment. For many, they are the first source of food from the mother…how precious…for all of us (men and women) they are intimately connected to our lymphatic/immune system. This system is connected to our emotional body and the water element…our flow…drop deeply into your life….flow with your breath and live fully in the eternal present moment.

The following natural tools are helpful in the health of the breast tissue.
Nourish through organic foods and herbs:
Clean clear water & lemon-water. Drink warm water with 1/2 lemon
2 x day.
Oils: Hemp, Borage, Black currant, or Evening Primrose oil added to diet (especially in cases of hormonal imbalance) helps to protect the breast tissue by providing the body with Omegas 3, 6, and 9. Do NOT cook any of these oils.
*Dandelion oil (Taraxacum officinale) has a special affinity for breast tissue. Regular use of this beautiful oil facilitates the release of held emotions. Strengthens immune system and emotional bodies. This superb ally can be used during self massage on an on-going basis. (Clears impacted milk glands and reduces cysts).
Seaweeds (eaten as snacks or added to herbal formulas): wakame, kelp, kombu.
Greens etc. (antioxidants, Chlorophyll, folic acid, vitamins, amino acids):Watercress, broccoli, wheat-grass, parsley, celery, raw spinach, lamb’s quarter, kale, collard greens, amaranth, spirulina. Blue-green algaes, spirulina.
Earth foods (connect with earth energy and natural sweetness): parsnips, turnips, squash, cabbage, pumpkins, burdock, licorice root (stabilizes blood sugar), sweet potatoes (grounding), carrots, corn, garlic and onions (selenium and antioxidants), beets(builds blood), brown rice, lentils, pineapple, apples, citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), watermelon (purifies), figs, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, Miso, (raw goats milk) yogurt, pure sunlight.
Sprouted seeds and sprouted nuts: sunflower (vitamin E, antioxidants, and genistein), pumpkin, apricot seeds (anti-cancer laetrile), almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts.
Mushrooms (enhance immune system, slow tumor growth, deactivate viruses): reishii, maitake, oyster.
Herbs and spices: Slippery elm. Mint family- basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, lavender, sage. Tumeric, fennel, nutmeg, cloves, caraway, cayenne (antiseptic, toning), cumin, thistles. Siberian Ginseng (tonic), Aloe, Oatstraw (silica and calcium, calming, balances thyroid & hormones, protects adrenals), ginger (tonic, warming, antioxidants, carotenes), Pau d’arco (relieves pain, antioxidant).