Your Life-Your Choice November, 1997 ========================= issue 2 In our last issue, a testimonial was submitted by a grandmother regarding her grandson's challenge with concentration and restlessness. If you missed the last issue, you will be able to see it in the archives at the Your Life-Your Choice Website headquarters; http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife. Since that publication, I have received a great deal of correspondence asking which herbal supplements were so beneficial in calming him down and helping him concentrate. As the editor of this newsletter I have mandated that the articles, testimonials, and Choice's tidbits will NOT include industry specific brands. This is to protect the integrity and the quality of Your Life-Your Choice. However, I do want to promote value to Your Life-Your Choice subscribers. This particular combination is an industry specific product, so I will not mention the product name or that of the manufacturer. However, the main ingredients of this combination are Scullcap, Passion Flower, Valerian Root, Wild Yam Root, and Myrrh Gum. There are many herbal combinations that can be beneficial with this type of challenge. Ensure that the herbs you choose to purchase are of the highest quality; the manufacturer has a reputation for excellence, and the person you purchase from is knowledgeable. This newsletter is meant to educate and inform. It is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. As the editor of Your Life - Your Choice, I encourage you to consult with a reliable professional in your area in regards to any specific health issue. Brigitte Syneasel Editor of Your Life-Your Choice Traditional Medicine Isn't Enough Any More! Your life is your choice - don't make it the doctor's choice! http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife ******************************************************************* @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @ @ @ IN THIS ISSUE: @ @ @ @ 1. PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS @ @ Our sponsors make this @ @ newsletter FREE to @ @ subscribers. Please take a @ @ moment to visit them. @ @ @ @ 2. TESTIMONIES FOR SUCCESS @ @ Discover how others @ @ successfully solved your @ @ problem. @ @ @ @ 3. THE ART AND SCIENCE OF REFLEXOLOGY @ @ Imagine feeling as if you were @ @ walking on a cloud... you're deeply @ @ relaxed and have an enhanced sense @ @ of well-being.... @ @ @ @ 4. ECHINACEA @ @ For generations Native Americans used @ @ this herb to treat a variety of @ @ ailments. Is it magic? @ @ @ @ 5. AROMATHERAPY @ @ The Bath - A Place To Honour @ @ Ourselves @ @ @ @ 6. CHOICE TIDBITS @ @ A Healthier You @ @ Hope For Migraine Sufferers @ @ @ @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ Subscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "subscribe Your Life - Your Choice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can subscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Unsuscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "unsubscribe Your Life - Your Choice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can unsubscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Copyright 1997 by Brigitte Synesael All rights reserved ************************************************************* Section 1. PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS Control Your Mind To Become What You Want To Be! Improve Your Mental and physical Health. Eliminate you fears and addictions. Enhance your sexual pleasures. Increase your ability to learn, read and retain. Create powerful, success recordings that are irresistible to your subconscious mind! http://www.icemall.com/picto_super_deal.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Modern Medicine Isn't Enough Any More! People discover that their body can heal itself with top quality herbs. Enrich markets 100% natural herbs for all health issues. Give your body the power to heal itself! Visit NOW and enter the contest for FREE herbs! http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/herbal ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ************************************************************* Section 2. TESTIMONIES FOR SUCCESS Dear Your Life-Your Choice, For many years I have taken care of my conditions: Inflammatory Poly Arthritis, Systemic Lupus, Erythematosus and High Bloodpressure, through very good medical drugs and very good doctors attention (and some painkillers). About 2 years ago, a terrible pain developed in my left side, much worse than I ever experienced. It felt as if a knife was plunged right underneath my ribcage, producing a sharp pain both in front and back. For months there was no way to sit or lean back, it was too painful to lie down, and standing or walking was almost impossible. The pain was so strong, I was bent over double. Twice being admitted in the hospital for a battery of tests, done by the best physicians in the city, didn't bring any relief for me or answers for the doctors. Back at home I decided to take homeopathic herbs. I have always been in favour of natural medicine and occasionally used some with good results. I started taking concentrated doses of herbs to build the immune system and cleanse the blood. The pain is now gone and has not come back in the past year and a half. Specifically, my success was due to Una de Gato, Red Clover and a specially designed supplement for women. Another benefit is now emerging; I need to take less prescribed medicine for my conditions, supplemented by regular doses of herbs. I am fine today. Suzanne Ontario ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Your Life-Your Choice, I have always been a die-hard smoker. Ask anyone who knows me. I had been smoking since I was 16 (1'm 40 now)... and I enjoyed it. A friend of mine mentioned that her husband really wanted to quit smoking, but couldn't, and asked if the herbal company that I distribute for had anything that could help. I told her that we did have an herbal combination that is meant to be helpful for this, but I'd never tried it and could not speak to the effectiveness of it. The conversation brought out the curiosity in me, so I bought some for myself. I wanted to see what it would do for me knowing that I HAD NO INTENTION OF QUITTING. I am pleased to report that I haven't had a cigarette since Sept 6. I can say with total conviction that this specific combination eliminated the nicotine craving. I am amazed at how much easier than expected, this has been. Not that it hasn't been a challenge. The nicotine is not a problem, but I've found that I still have to keep my hands and mouth busy; I eat lots of sunflower seeds (they're high in fiber), and chew sugarless gum. Herbs can be helpful in quitting smoking. Taking herbal toxin eliminators will help remove the toxins from your body while your quitting and help reduce the withdrawal time. Brigitte Ontario ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you, or someone you know, have a testimony you'd like to share, it can be submitted to b.synesael@odyssey.on.ca with "Testimonies Your Life-Your Choice" in the subject heading. All testimonies should be kept to a maximum of about 200 words and should include the method of treatment used without naming industry specific brands. For example: "through the use of herbs" is permitted. However "by using XYZ herbs" is not. All submissions are subject to responsible editing and any reference made to an industry specific product will be edited out as this section is not intended to be an advertising platform. ************************************************************* Section 3. The Art and Science of Reflexology by Deborah Carwana RN. RNC Deborah is a Registered Nutritional Consultant as well as a registered nurse. Realizing the benefits that alternative treatments can offer, she has also pursued certification as a Reflexologist and an Aromatherapist. Deborah Carwans has her own health consulting business local to London, Ontario and can be contacted for further information or to arrange an appointment at: (519)672-7997. Reflexology is a science based on the principle that there are reflexes in the hands and feet that corresponds to every part of the body. Through the application of pressure on these reflex points several benefits can be achieved as the body's own healing powers are encouraged to restore and maintain health and well-being, naturally. Reflexology reflects the idea that natural life energy flows through our body along zones or meridians running the length of the body from head to toe to reflexes in the hands and feet, and all the organs and parts of the body lie along one or more of these zones. Stress and tension cause blockages or congestion along these zones, circulation becomes sluggish, blood and oxygen supply to every cell is decreased and our bodies re no longer functioning optimally - we are no longer in balance. This imbalance can manifest itself as a tender spot on the foot signaling that the corresponding area of the body may not be operating at peak performance. It has been suggested that 75% of all illness and dis-ease is a result of the stress we live with. A reflexology treatment provides deep relaxation, a release of tension, improved circulation and, theoretically, an opportunity to cleanse the body of toxins and impurities. Reflexology is effective and helpful in normalizing many different body conditions. For many people reflexology has been helpful for painful, chronic conditions such as arthritis, headaches and insomnia. Women have found childbirth easier - labour is shorter with less discomfort when receiving reflexology for a period of time before the birth. It is also very supportive for the post-natal period. The reflexology session takes place in a safe, quiet and relaxing area. You are usually positioned in a reclining chair or on a therapy table. The reflexologist works on your bare feet and the session usually begins with a series of warm-up exercises. All the reflex points on both feet are worked using finger and thumb pressure. A complete treatment is always given as the body is to be considered holistically. The session ends with a relaxing foot rub using lotion or oil. Reflexology will not harm you in any way; it simply brings your system back into balance. Clients report a range of experiences after a treatment from deep relaxation and tranquillity to a feeling of being centered and focused. There is a sense of rejuvenation and renewed energy. Many people fall asleep during a treatment or find that their sleep improves at night. A session usually lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. (For babies, the elderly or extremely ill the length of the session and the pressure applied is decreased.) For acute conditions a treatment can be given every 48 hours. For chronic conditions weekly sessions are recommended. Monthly treatments are used for prevention, maintenance and general relaxation. It is interesting to note that in Denmark, Reflexology is the most common alternative treatment used. 1 out of every 4 Danes chooses reflexology as the preferred health care treatment. There is also emphasis on researching the efficacy of reflexology in the workplace where back pain, sore muscles and aches are common. The results are very positive; showing a decreased in work hours lost which translates into dollars saved. As a result reflexologists are being hired to work for many different companies as part of their wellness programs. ************************************************************* Section 4. Stopped Cold: Echinacea Is The Hot New Remedy That Has Herbal Medicine Fans All Atingle By Tracy L. Pipp The Detroit News Wednesday, February 19, 1997 Many people don't know where it comes from. Not everybody can spell it. But that doesn't stop them from taking echinacea, the hottest herbal remedy around. It's become as acceptable as vitamin C for fighting off the common cold. Users swear that taking echinacea at the onset of a sore throat or runny nose lessens the severity and duration of their symptoms. Not a bad reputation for an herb with a name that's dauntingly unpronounceable. Echinacea (eck-in-ASIA) used to cower in the dark corners of nutrition and health food stores. But its newfound popularity means you can now find bottles of it at your local drugstore. "A few years ago, no one had heard of it," says Marguerite Smith of NutriLite products. "It wasn't even mentioned in the industry top 10 list of what people were buying. Now it's selling like crazy." Echinacea was used by Native Americans for generations to treat a variety of ailments -- everything from snakebites, toothaches and coughs to inflammations and infections. Today, researchers concur that echinacea can reduce swelling and has prominent antibiotic and antiviral properties. The renewed interest in the extract of the coneflower is due to echinacea's role as an immune system stimulant. "There's a well-documented history of echinacea's power to boost the immune system and its ability to treat a wide variety of conditions," says Wayne Silverman of the American Botanical Council. And, judging by sales, lots of Americans are trying it out. "It's consistently one of our most popular products," says Stacey Hessen, manager of Betty's Grocery Store in Birmingham. The store sells it as a tincture and in capsule form In liquid form, it should tingle on your tongue -- if it doesn't, the active ingredient is too diluted to be effective. And it's better to take it only when you need it, for no longer than a week at a time: Various studies indicate that echinacea is most effective when it is only taken when sick and not used as a preventive measure. Dr. Charles McCloskey, director of outpatient care at Oakland General Hospital in Madison Heights, says several German studies indicate that echinacea does indeed strengthen the immune but that no such studies have been done in the United States. But despite the lack of U.S.-based evidence, "some patients swear by it," he says. Some of echinacea's allure stems from its natural origin and its lack of side effects, McCloskey says. "I don't know anyone who has overdosed on it." This mainstream popularity is sparking new interest in herbal remedies, and experts believe the success of echinacea could be just the thing to clear a path for other herbs and natural fix-its. ************************************************************* Section 5. The Bath - A Place To Honour Ourselves by Deborah Carwana RN. RNC Deborah is a Registered Nutritional Consultant as well as a registered nurse. Realizing the benefits that alternative treatments can offer, she has also pursued certification as a Reflexologist and an Aromatherapist. Deborah Carwans has her own health consulting business local to London, Ontario and can be contacted for further information or to arrange an appointment at: (519)672-7997. Aromatherapy: a natural healing art that uses richly aromatic oils extracted from plants to tone and regulate the body, and ease the mind and spirits. The effect can be either relaxing or stimulating and refreshing depending on what oils are used. Modern research has proven the health-giving qualities of different plant essences, for example the antiseptic properties of tea-tree, the soothing effects of lavender, and the head clearing properties of eucalyptus. The therapeutic effect of these oils is achieved either by inhalation or absorption through the skin. They can be mixed into ointments and lotions, in bath or massage oils, on compresses or in vaporizers. Blending them together in different combinations will give the best results. For example, an invigorating blend of basil and rosemary can be used in a vaporizer in the workplace or home to enhance memory and stimulate the mind. Insomnia can be overcome with a warm soothing bath to which a blend of lavender and sandalwood has been added or with a few drops of essential oil of neroli on your pillow. The hectic lifestyles of the 90's have encouraged many of us to turn to a shower for daily hygiene and the bath has been relegated for the use of the infirm and children. But what a waste of an accessible tool for our own wellness. A bath allows a retreat. A place where we can honour ourselves, our bodies, and by using essential oils in our bath, enhance our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. A further benefit of the aromatic bath is that the essential oils do not remain in the body, unlike some chemical drugs, and depending on the oil used and the health of the body, will be totally expelled in between three and fourteen hours. The easiest way to add essential oils to the bath is to completely pour the bath and, just as you are getting into in add 8 to 10 drops of an essential oil. In this way you will receive all the benefits of the essential oil inhaled. Another method is to first add a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or apricot kernel oil to your blend of essential oils and then add to your bath. This is much more luxurious and combats any tendency to dry skin. One can create blends to reduce stress, to revitalize yourself after a tough day, and to address specific physical concerns. An added benefit to your aromatherapy bath would be to combine it with a massage. In aroma-massage the therapist gently massages the essential oils which are diluted in a carrier oil into your skin. For those who want a more therapeutic bath and to eliminate toxins, a blend of essential oils can be ground into a base of mineral/Epsom salts… a wonderful tonic to start or end the day. There are always precautions when using essential oils. Oils of cinnamon, clove, basil, peppermint, thyme, wintergreen or sassafras should never be used in a bath as they may irritate your skin. Pregnant women and people with epilepsy should consult with an aromatherapist before using any essential oil or blend of oils. Those used with children should be diluted four times the adult formulation and should be made from only the gentlest of oils (neroli, rose) and never used without a carrier oil. Whether you choose an aromatic bath for romance or to nurture health and well being, the combination of water and oil is a delightful mix. Create your own Healing Bath! Visit http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife/issue2.html#bath for recipes. ************************************************************* Section 6. CHOICE TIDBITS A Healthier You The following are 10 tips to help you maintain a healthier life. 1. Be realistic with your goals. 2. Examine your eating habits, start planning your meals and avoid eating high-fat snacks. 3. Count the fat grams you eat every day and make sure they account for less than 30 percent of your total calorie consumption. 4. Eat a balanced diet, including foods from every food group. 5. Choose foods high in complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, pasta and whole grains. 6. Commit to at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling or dancing, at least five days a week. 7. Schedule exercise appointments just as you would any other important appointments. 8. Try low-fat or non-fat snacks, such as frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. 9. Take healthy snacks to work, such as pretzels, fresh fruit or cut-up vegetables. 10. Don't give up. If you fall off your schedule, start again the next day. (Let's Live, April 1996) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hope For Migraine Sufferers For those who suffer from migraine headaches, there may be new hope. The November/December issue of Health magazine reported that a Belgian study showed vitamin B2, or riboflavin, "remarkably reduces the number and intensity of migraines." "Forty-eight migraine patients were divided into two groups. The first group received 400 milligrams of riboflavin every morning in a single dose - the equivalent of sitting down to 600 bowls of Cheerios with milk. The second group received the same amount of riboflavin along with 75 milligrams of aspirin. This treatment continued for three to five months. At the end of the study, nearly 80 percent of all patients had fewer than half the number of migrain days they had experienced before treatment, and the severity of the headaches was reduced by about two-thirds. The aspirin apparently provided no additional relief." The report goes on to say that researchers are hoping their results can be duplicated, even with a lower dose of riboflavin. (Health, November/December 1995) ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Disclaimer All material appearing in this newsletter is provided for educational purposes only. It is provided with the understanding that authors and contributors are not offering medical advice or services. We strongly encourage you to consult with your own physician regarding any recommendations with respect to your own medical condition. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// *************************************************************** * * * I know you have friends who would be interested * * in this information. Put them in your debt and * * forward a copy of Your Life-Your Choice to them. * * * *************************************************************** ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Subscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "subscribe Your Life - Your Choice" in the body without the quotes. Or you can subscribe from the newsletter website: http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~b.synesael/yourlife Unsuscribe: mailto:majordomo@po.databack.com. Type "unsubscribe Your Life - Your Choice" in the body without the quotes. 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