Category: Wellness

Will you see BREASTS?

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BREASTS

What is your take on them?

How do they make you feel?

Do you support them?

Do you use them?

Do they offend you?

How do you feel when you see them?

Have you ever had an incident with them that would cause a movie to be made?

We’re all human here so let’s digress a bit.

The topic of discussion for using the word Breasts in this post is the biological reason for why us women have them. Thus being…… Breastfeeding.

Moreover, breastfeeding in the workplace, leading us to the premise of Breasts The Film.

While I’m not a mom, as of yet, I’m passionate about this topic and working on this short film is powerfully moving. It’s based on a true story about a working mother who is slapped with a sexual harassment complaint when she explains she must pump her breasts to a coworker. Just imagine this scenario for a minute and the underlying implications of that happening.

The first thought when one hears breasts may be laced with an idea perpetuated from what it means to our society and collective mind frame. We live in a society that we’re blasted with images of T&A every day, yet a mom feels lambasted for saying a word that’s meaning is usually construed in a sexual way.

While this topic may feel that it’s centered around gender, as breastfeeding is an inherent part to being a female, this topic is a discussion for everyone. Moms have the capability to feed their babies milk that is designed for the biological makeup of each child. Quite genius of the body if you ask me.

Now this brings up the question of.

Where does the discomfort from this subject stem from and why is it stigmatized to an extent in our current society?

We have been receiving emails from women all over the country sharing their breastfeeding and pumping stories. It’s amazing to read the varying experiences moms have whether facing adversity or support for their choice, in the workplace and otherwise. Some feel supported by their colleagues and businesses, yet many feel slighted and stigmatized for their decision.

Whether one chooses to breastfeed and pump, or not, do you think there should be rights to protect and support moms in that decision?

It is, I imagine, a very personal and delicate decision, one that is intertwined with a feeling of vulnerability due to our current societal ideas and positions around it.

 

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I’m working with a brilliant team for the film, made up of some badass and talented women and some awesome men. We’ve been building the vision, creating momentum while creatively collaborating with one another in the multi-layered process that making a film entails. All the pieces are coming together, from special effects, to directing, to location scouting and event planning. It’s happening. Locally in New Orleans.

There is a movement of women in film that I find quite profound. Sophia Coppola just became the first female director in it’s 70 year history to win “Best Director” at the Cannes Film Festival. The female directed phenomenon Wonder Woman is taking the world for a wonder ride. While Ava DuVernay is taking Hollywood by storm.

Call it big or small, BREASTS has joined this women’s revolution, it feels grandiose in its breadth. Breasts is a film with a statement that has perhaps lain dormant, we’re giving voice to women, in the way we can, through it .

We’re doing a fundraiser on Seed and Spark, which is a fundraising platform for filmmaking. When we have 500 followers on Seed and Spark we get an awesome film incentive package. We don’t discriminate, little and big donations to Breasts are accepted. What size donation can you do? ; )          Seed and Spark for Breasts

Meet our incredible team and see what we’re up to and share your stories at Breasts The Film

 

xo,

Nicole

 

Knowing Unknown

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If one does not take a step into the unknown, will one ever know?

Wisdom is a culmination of knowing and experience.

Which sometimes takes stepping into the uncomfortable.

In facing the unknown, challenges may appear. Like roadblocks, these challenges once overcome become epiphanies. It is through the layers unraveling that self-growth becomes apparent and makes the presence of the unknown, known.

Trusting instinctual guidance as a course of action has not always been the easiest process. Yet, in hindsight proves to be exactly what is needed.

Right now, I am taking on a challenge for myself; to live and creatively express in a new place, new way, new form.

Yet always coming from source, creating force.

Therefore, trust is the imperative word right now. Trust in self, life, universe, expression and unity within reality. Authentically.

Even when the path is unknown.

What does it look like to reveal the unseen?

xo,

Nicole

I’ll be back with a New Orleans post next.

Vipassana

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To see things as they really are.

Observation.

A 10 day silent meditation course stemming from Gotama Buddha, over 2,500 years ago. Which, simply stated, is concentrating on the body, its sensations and the insight that this provides.

As a serious meditator for the past 10 years, having first practiced when I was 11 years old.  I could feel my discipline in practicing had been slacking for about two years. I signed up for Viapssana, knowing that 10 days with 10 hours a day of meditation would switch my discipline button back on.

I have done over a decade of inner growth and well being work, varying practices as a way to gain inner insight. Whether it be meditations, leadership and communication courses, detox regimes, Kundalini and Hatha Yoga,  Native American healing work, energy and sound therapy, Guru work……. I could go on….. 😉

Yet this was different than most anything I have undertaken.

It was putting effort into observation. Focus on respiration. Mindful of the sensations of the body, without allowing aversion or craving to take over, to allow old mind patterns that cause suffering and misery to become eradicated.

It sounds simple, sitting for hours, almost like a reTREAT.

Not quite. It was extremely hard work, training new parts of the mind to  work in a different way than what one is inherently programmed with.

 

The first four days were cold, stormy and rainy, trudging across the soggy grounds it felt miserable, synonymous with how my mind felt.  I couldn’t fathom how we could get through the rest of the course. It felt like one day was a week and my body felt uncomfortable sitting for so long. What gave me solace was the food. Vegetarian, delicious rice and curries and veggie dishes, soups and salads, prepared fresh every day.

At times I felt like

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Other time I felt a quality of beautiful inner

 

peace

Focus. Equanimity. Awareness. These were key words for the process, one that became intensely beautiful, with profound self-realizations. The technique is a practice which creates a foundation for self transformation and awareness.

The facilites we stayed at were simple, clean and nice. The break from the phone and internet to tune into the natural world was a relief, one that was much needed for my mind without any tech distractions.

The last 5 days of the course seemed to become lighter. The sun finally came out and at night the stars were vivid on the magical lands close to Yosemite. The 8th and 9th day something profound was happening, it felt as though my senses were super heightened and everything took on a technicolor hue, like a 5 dimensional quality. The silence became solace and I felt an unburdening of my layers of consciousness, which created a lighter, buoyant sense.

Vipassana is a practice, of mindfulness and awareness every moment. To be present, now. Relinquishing normal reactions to self or situations and taking a step back to allow observation to keep the mind in a place of equanimity. With discipline I feel this technique has the potential to enhance life immensely, I can sense a transformation from the 10 days.

My intentions when I left were to live a life of more joy, inner peace while radiating compassionate love.

 

xo,

Nicole

7 Tips for an Empath

Posted in Collective Consciousness, Spirituality, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 6 Comments

When I first wrote about being an empath, there wasn’t much on the internet sans a few articles. I have come to much of my own discoveries though trial and error, which has been a dazzling, intense process.

I’m just scratching the surface with this as this blog is my service. I have yet to make money off of it, the ads come from WordPress, not me. To clarify, being an empath is different from being empathetic. All humans have empathy and can be empathetic, unless they’re a psychopath. Where as empaths literally take on what has and is happening around them, including from others. Like a mirror to the environment they can feel people, places and events, even things that may be hidden, transforming the energy to higher vibrations. If you’re an empath know that fortifying yourself inwardly is where your true power lies and that your gift will develop to more than being an empath over time.

There are many skeptics in the world and people in status quo mindset and trying to explain what being an empath is can be futile, for you may be laughed at, as I have. Ironically, the same people who used to make fun of me, now copy off of me and my lifestyle. So, don’t let other people’s opinions of you make you become withdrawn, especially if you can feel their energies towards you and they’re not positive. You are an alluring, magnetic light with an amazing ability. Use it to empower and charge you and those around you. Just know that you know. You may attract people and become a trusted confidant, creating influence in individual and group connections, which I have seen in my own experience. I hope to see more scientific, metaphysical and psychological research into empaths in our upcoming future.

1. ENVIRONMENT:

World-Environment-Day

It is easy for empaths to adapt because of the ability to assimilate to the environment, making travel easy. Because empaths reflect others, getting sucked into other people’s fields and intentions can happen, discern the energies so as not to get swayed into something that goes against your principles. When out in public, hold and impress energy instead of always reflecting the environment. Once able to hold, presence becomes more purified, brilliant and stronger as the ability develops. Grounding and exercise are vital to finding peace within chaos and empaths tend to feel EMF’s. Be in nature if you feel bombarded. It’s understandable empaths may feel distracted even labeled add, adhd or other labels.

If you’re taking something on of someone’s  and it’s uncomfortable, you can notice it and don’t have to absorb it or play it out. It’s not yours to become. Of course we can sense douchebagery, bullshit, superficiality and misaligned intentions a mile away. That’s ok. Certain people may loathe you because of this, don’t take that on either. Just know others have their journey and stuff to work through, even if you can sense it, it’s not yours to judge. Instead, have compassion if you can.

2. PROCESSING:

 

01 Empath — Sensitive, Kind, Loving

Empaths may need more sleep than average because of the processing that is done in sleep and the levels we take on energy. Empaths may also be more in tune with other worlds, in dreamtime or even waking time. My brilliant teachers said, I travel the Lokas, or other worlds. If you’re an empath and working in these realms, our language is limited in these arenas, again, that’s ok, you know what is being worked on in those levels. When you need the hibernation and internalizing time, don’t be afraid to state that and set proper boundaries. Since we have such a caring nature it can also take a toll on our life force if our energy and boundaries are not properly respected.

3. SUBSTANCES:

spirits

Be aware with substances. Because empaths are such high level processors of the environment and the influx of thoughts and energy it’s easy to want to mask that with alcohol or other substances. Empaths will take on the energy of whatever is being ingested if not careful, so it’s easy to become what you’re drinking, smoking, taking, eating, etc. There is a reason they call alcohol spirits, because the energy or “spirits” of it are not always the most pleasant. As many people do not understand empaths, you need to know this for yourself because the explanations won’t be understood as to why your behavior may change. Moderation is KEY. Positive energy or blessing what you take can help.

4. BE IN YOUR BODY:

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High vibrational energizing activities can bring your life force back into focus. Connect with someone who can understand if you need to be recharged and need positive encouragement. Other ways to be in your body or engage in the present are creative projects. Organizing. Painting. Cooking. Plant life like botanical gardens. Gong baths. Mantras. Sacred places. Music. Animals. Being around children. Foods. Yoga. SALT baths. Energy work like Reiki or Acupuncture. Parties. Exercise. Ocean. Nourishing, raw foods. Nature. Anything that brings you joy. Dancing. Laughing. Intimacy. Conversation. Connecting. Meditation. Making love. 1 glass of wine, in moderation 😉

5. CLEARING:

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Altar with Clearing Tools

Many empaths are natural healers and find themselves drawn to their innate healing abilities. They may need to disengage to clear the energy they have taken on, at times, and have their space feel energetically safe. Sage is one of my favorite ways to cleanse unwanted energies over the past 10 years of burning it. Essential oils like frankincense and peppermint are really great for shifting denser vibrations into higher ones and releasing any energy that you may have taken on. Some nights I  douse my bed in lavender or frankincense spray before I get in it so that my sleep is restful and clearing. Crystals can help pull things out of the body when I lay them on me. Especially after driving in LA traffic 😉

If you’re feeling uncomfortable or heavy with someone or something else’s energy intend on it to be released and somehow, some way it will. Love is a vibration that sets everything free. I will give an easy meditation in a video next post for easy release.

When you’ve taken something on visualize it burning out with a violet flame that purifies everything on all levels.

6. PROTECT:

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To protect your energy: Visualize a light coming out of either your head or your heart depending on what suits you until it envelopes your energy in an orb around you. My profound teacher, who is also an empath said to visualize golden light around you before you leave your house every morning. Once you have fortified your inner light you will be effervescent in your ability to understand and use your gift. For in it’s essence, it is a gift. And you can beam that gift forward into the universe to impress upon it instead of it always impressing upon you.

7. TUNE IN:

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My gift has manifested in a very clear voice, sometimes images, that knows. Learning to listen to it has been a lesson. On subtle levels we know what we need to give, or not give. Tune in and trust. If you’re an empath and have taken something on, feel into it, it may have a vision, feeling, thought or smell to it. Focus and see what it carries and the energy, then breathe light into it and LET IT GO.

As my fabulous teacher said “Do not allow yourself to become a victim to it. Find something to ground yourself into your body and bring joy to you”

 

Hope this helps and I will give some more links to articles I wrote in the past about this and meditations to help below. My next post will be a guided meditation for release.

 

xo,

Nicole

 

 

Vibing with an Empath

10 Ways To Raise Your Vibration

Empathic Repatterning

Dream, Play, Laugh and Create

The Rainbow Children

10 Ways To Raise Your Vibration

Posted in Collective Consciousness, Health, Spirituality, WellnessTagged , , , , 2 Comments

Everything in our universe vibrates at a certain frequency, matter is energy and energy is constantly oscillating. We perceive reality with our senses, which sense the harmonics of these vibrations and resonate at certain frequencies and so does everything.

On the simplest level negative thoughts, actions, words and deeds have lower frequencies while positive ones are higher. This is the duality of our existence that creates a universal balance in our experience on this plane as conscious human beings, able to experience matter in physical form.

What we think, say and feel attract the harmonics of a similar vibration, a pattern that is like a magnet to a pattern of a similar nature. Like attracts like. We are superconductors of consciousness evolving at a rapid pace every day. Our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual selves all resonate at certain frequencies.

I notice when my vibration is higher, more elevated experiences are attracted my way and when I’m at a lower vibration I experience more resistance with manifesting what I truly desire and deriving the joy of a higher vibratory nature.

Sometimes we may not even be aware that we attracted an experience to us because it is a lodged subconscious vibration, that is where awareness of self and self-actualization come into play. Taking ownership of your experience creates liberation. Awareness then allows you to change any pattern if you so desire, to create a reality that is truly what you wish for.

That being said, we can consciously raise our vibrations to attract higher vibrational experiences in alignment with our highest state of being. Our soul’s purpose is to experience this life at our fullest expression, however that may mean to each of us individually.

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Found on raiseyourvibration.com

Below are some ways to Raise your Vibration:

Appreciation
By focusing on what is working in your life and conjuring up appreciation your mind and being will naturally create a magnet to more thoughts and experiences of what you appreciate. Figuratively, wearing rose-colored glasses for 1 minute or more will help you to see the beauty of what is here and now. Write a list of everything you are grateful for, create a gratitude jar and put little gratitudes in there daily and see what happens after a month.

Water
Our bodies are composed of 90% water. Water has a consciousness of it’s own, like blood, it responds to our thoughts. I always give love to water before I drink it, so that it carries a vibration of love and healing for my body. I recently read an article stating that water is older than our planet, which is quite fascinating if you think about where it comes from. Going in the ocean or lake, or even a bath can raise your vibration.

Dancing and Laughing
One of our most primal instincts dating back to the beginning of our species, dancing is not only good exercise, but integrating simultaneous movement with sound is a way to be with the moment. A guru I used to see said that by dancing we release our karma from our beings. Laughing is the best medicine, and can transform a situation or mindset.

Breathing
Breath is life, it is our consciousness, the air we breathe is what keeps us going. Yoga is the practice of breath in many forms, it incorporates breath work like Pranayama, breath of fire or similar. You can also do simple box breathing which is inhaling for 5 seconds and hold for 5 seconds, exhale 5 seconds and hold for 5 seconds and repeat 5-10 times. Or simply take deep inhales and exhales until you feel a shift in yourself.

Food
I think this is one of the most important things that has slipped through the cracks of our current society. The importance of living, vibrating foods had been known since the dawn of our times yet with industrialization we’ve let that knowledge burn on the back burner which has left us with more processed, dead foods that do not nourish our beings the way we need to have higher vibrations. Any raw fruit, vegetable or seed is super juicy way to get higher vibes.

Sound Harmonics
Whether it’s music that is uplifting or binaural beats that help synchronize your brain to different waves, sound is a vibration and different sounds have different frequencies. Listen to something that has a powerful or positive message, or is happy or guided meditations. At the end of this article is a video that shows, incredibly, how sand forms geometic patterns to different HZ’s, sound is healing to the body and I’ll address that more in a separate post.

Grounding
Touching the earth, sand, grass and being in nature creates ions that are healing and protecting to the body. Touching the earth for 20 minutes or longer with bare feet or hands connects the electromagnetic energy of the earth to the body and creates a circuit that helps the vibrations of earth enter the body most easily. Since our physical bodies come from this earth and go back to it, I think of it like returning to inner nature when out in nature.

Scents
The scent glands have a huge play in how we feel and what we’re experiencing, our sense of smell can unwillingly create comfort or discomfort. Essential oils have different properties and create varying effects in our brain and our experience. I will go into more detail about this in a separate post, but for now try using lavender, frankincense or lemon oil to raise your vibration. Or light a beautifully scented candle, or burn sage or Palo Santo and see how you feel afterwards.

Crystals
I was watching an episode of Ancient Aliens last night, they were theorizing that crystals have encoded information from the star nations in them. These super conductors, used in computers and watches also have a profound effect on us as well. Holding them, or having them in your home can help you vibrate at a higher frequency. You can also put your intentions into crystals and see how those manifestations come about.

Love
The simplest way in my opinion to raise the vibration. Feel love, really feel the expansive, gooey, warm, blissful feeling the heart is capable of giving. Feel it for your significant other, family, friends, for your self, those who love you, expand it into your field, into your home, work and life. Bring the heart to everything you do and see how your life is carried along the waves of love.

Try these out, see what your experience is and the effects afterwards. My hope is that your vibration is raised in some form or another and you are able to experience the bliss of purposeful conscious awareness of right now, as it is.

How is your vibration?

xo,
Nicole

Related Articles:

How to build a happier brain
Acid Vs. Alkaline
Pranayama
After Daylight Savings Time: How To Be Happy When The Sun Goes Down (stylecaster.com)
Vitamins, Minerals and Remedies
Winter Blues
Water
Acupuncture and TCM
Cosmic Charge Baby

Emotional Feeling

Posted in Empowerment, WellnessTagged , , 7 Comments

This is a perpetuation of my absolution of feeling guilt for
feeling,
as though somehow, as far along as I am in my conscious evolution I am beyond the most basic human instinct of feeling.

Being human, there is a range of emotions that pass by, while the thoughts in my mind attach to these separate feelings, I give them more credence than they sometimes deserve. This is where meditation and the practice of acceptance and release come into play.

While I believe in the zen mentality of allowing thoughts to pass by, or the existential belief that there is no meaning, we make meaning. I think it negates the power of our emotional being, that which desires to be felt.

In our society we are conditioned to be on the more unemotional side, as though we can’t express ourselves fully without feeling accepted for what’s being felt.
Have you felt that?

I think this is even more prominent in the conditioning of boys and men. Which is saddening, because some of the most poignant experiences I’ve had with men have been them opening up their beautiful emotions in my presence.

If we were raised to believe that emotional release was healthy and helped us to be healthier, whole beings, I think we’d have a different story.

I AM HUMAN and I FEEL

There is a beauty to feeling, for love is the highest truth of our emotional beings. As simple as that sounds think of the love you have for those in your life, does it resonate a feeling or vibration much higher than anything else we cling to as real?

True health holds the highest components of emotional release, repressed emotions can block health on the physical level. Perhaps all sickness is only a result of emotions that have not been felt?
In some of the teachings I’ve come across is when we tap to a core of emotion, even to the quantum level, it is released from all aspects of our being. Therefore hiding and evading what we feel ends up hurting us, if we can touch the center of whatever a locked emotion is, it becomes liberation.

With that I end this and tell you…

Feel what you feel it’s beautiful to feel, acknowledge it, let it be, for then it becomes a passage of knowing, strengthening you in your own self-growth.

xo,

Nicole

10 Best Natural Antibiotics

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 23 Comments

Antibiotics ie. Anti-Life kill all bacteria, healthy and unhealthy. When one is uninformed of the adverse effects of antibiotics, it can lead to autoimmune disorders through the eradication of healthy flora (bacteria) in the digestive track and other areas of the body.

If you’re prescribed antibiotics it’s important to ingest sources of probiotics afterwards. Including ones you can buy in capsule form or eating foods like Yogurt, Kefir, fermented veggies ie. Kim Chee, Sauerkraut, or drinking Kombucha, or Raw Apple Cider vinegar.

Our bodies are meant to heal themselves and when out of balance or deficient it makes it difficult. In order for the whole to heal, homeostasis is imperative. Over the years the information I’ve come across leads right back to the digestive track if not in good health, disease is the result.

Here are some natural antibiotics that may already be found in your kitchen.

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Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE):

A study from The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that “grapefruit-seed extract was effective in killing over “800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single and multi-celled parasites.”² No other naturally-occuring anti-microbial can come close to these results.”
Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral. With an amazing array of antioxidant properties which neutralize free radicals. GSE helps the body to defend itself through proper immune function, while alkilizing naturally. It inhibits the growth of Candida, Giardia and other harmful intestinal issues and keeps healthy Flora intact.

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Taken once or twice a day as a shot, it’s one of my all time favorites as a cure-all. The benefits range from antiseptic, antibiotic, weight loss, arthritis, cholesterol, skin disorders, sinuses, anti-aging and much more.
 ACV is a great detox for the body and can also be used as an astringent topically.

Honey:

The healing properties of honey are numerous, the best source of honey is raw and Manuka Honey from New Zealand is said to have the strongest curative properties. It’s suggested that honey has antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action against certain spectrums of bacteria and fungi. Topically applied, honey releases H2O2, evidence shows that most strains of harmful bacteria die in the presence of oxygen or hydrogen peroxide.

Raw Garlic:

When crushed or chewed raw garlic has a property called allicin which has high amounts of anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Garlic helps with a myriad of diseases and assists in colds and flu, it can be applied topically as well. Along with the family of onions it’s used as a cancer preventative.

Colloidal Silver:

“Colloidal silver has been recognised as a powerful, natural antibiotic. Research has shown that it works by acting as a catalyst, disabling the enzyme that single-celled bacteria, fungi and viruses require for the metabolism of oxygen. This then suffocates the invading cell whilst doing no harm to any human enzymes, resulting in the removal of disease-causing organisms from the body.”
Colloidal silver dates back centuries with a long history for its healing benefits. It’s reported to heal many infections and used as a natural antibiotic and defense for the body.

Pau D’arco:

Pau D’arco comes from the inner bark of trees from South America. This bark is said to be an antioxidant, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. It is effective in healing Candida and different bacterial strains including staph and strep. Easily brewed in a tea form it also helps the body ward off colds and the flu.

Olive Leaf:

A unique plant with multi-faceted applications. Olive leaf is therapeutic towards many common ailments. Many scientific studies have been conducted investigating the extract’s properties against virus, retrovirus, bacterium and protozoan. “Research suggests that olive leaf may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host.” Amongst others, some benefits of olive leaf are; supporting the immune system, energy production, healthy blood circulation and cardiovascular.

Turmeric & Cayenne:

Two personal favorites of the spice cabinet. Cayenne’s health benefits are numerous, it works as an anti-fungal, antiviral and alleviates allergies. It assists in carrying toxins out of the system. This little red pepper increases metabolism, helps fight disease, benefits the circulatory system, blood pressure and prevents heart disease.
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, it also assists with allergies, the liver and metabolism. 
The property curcumin found in Turmeric boosts and aids many regulations within the body.
Sprinkle each in your favorite dishes.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:

An antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-fungal. It contains Caprylic and Lauric acids that help the body ward off bacterial and viral infections. It assists in maintaining cholesterol levels, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism it also aids in thyroid production. Take one TBLSN daily in tea or coffee or by itself. It can also be used as a moisturizer.

An amazing article on the benefits of Coconut Oil for hair loss: hairlossrevolution.com

Oil of Oregano:

Separate from the spice Oregano, Oil of Oregano dates back centuries as an antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic that effectively wards off infections. It helps with colds and sore throats, digestive problems, topical infections amongst many other uses.

I’ll go into more detail on the healing properties of essential oils through the olfactory glands in a separate post.

: )

For now, how’s your immune function?

xo,
Nicole

 

Shilajit & Shrooms

Posted in Health, WellnessTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 10 Comments

 

Shilajit

In ancient Sanskrit texts, over 3,000 years old, there are references to a mysterious substance described as “The destroyer of weakness”. This substance was known as Soma and was unknown what exactly it was until more recently when Himalayan villagers continually observed monkeys eating a substance from the crevices within the Himalayan mountains. Upon observation these monkeys would have high levels of energy and awareness afterwards. The villagers took it upon themselves to eat this humic substance and were astounded by its benefits. “Soma was considered the elixir of immortality, the secret substance used by alchemists to perfect both body and mind.”

Shilajit is formed from ancient organic plant and animal material. As the Himalayas rose, what once was a moist, tropical jungle was trapped by layers of rock which became pressed and over time decomposition created the rich, humus substance known as Shilajit.

This tar-like substance became known as a mind, body and spirit healer and a staple in Ayurvedic medicine.
After 60 years of clinical research the claims are shown as extremely beneficial. Shilajit is an allergy and stress reducer. It increases energy, helps digestive issues, improves memory and cognition. It’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and eliminates free radicals. It’s shown to increase immunity, strength and sex drive. It is also said to be an aphrodisiac and prescribed as the “Viagra” in Ayurvedic medicine for men. Also, an anti-microbial and detoxer. It assists in mental stamina, memory and concentration. As well as treats anxiety and depression.
This Superconductor contains Fulvic acid which binds to heavy metals and chelates them from the system naturally. It’s filled with phytonutrients, biochemicals, enzymes, nutrients, antivirals, antifungals, antibiotics etc. The reason being that through years of breakdown by microorganisms such as fungi, algae, yeast, the RNA and DNA of the original plant life remains intact.

Amazing, right?

All I have to say about my personal experience with Shilajit is, I LOVE IT. I find it to be an incredible tonic of vitality.

Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake and Maitake

Reishi5

Having been used in China and Japan for thousands of years, these mushrooms are powerful medicines, adaptogens and immune boosters.

Reishi

Also named Linghzi or Ganoderma Lucidium, Reishi is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”. Research has found that use of Reishi improves immune and liver functions, stimulates health and prevents degenerative diseases as well as allergies. It is a perfect antidote for influenza as well as other infectious diseases. It also promotes memory and concentration as well as being a happiness booster. It’s adaptogenic meaning it adapts to the body and gives what is needed. It’s made as a tea or taken in herbal concoctions, which is how I take it. I’ve found it helps memory and concentration as well as makes me feel fabulous.

Cordyceps

A mushroom that is precious medicine. Cordyceps increase health and vitality, it’s anti-aging and prevents many diseases. It works on the kidney and lung meridians according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. A super strengthener for the body, helping with fatigue, night sweats, lower back-pain, increases libido, impotence, hyperglycemia, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and even liver diseases. It helps with infectious and inflammatory diseases as well as sexuality and fertility. It has anti-cancer benefits and helps to regulate the body by being adaptogenic as well. I take in an herbal remedy with Reishi that is formulated for mental focus, strength and health.

Maitake and Shiitake

Similar in their benefits, known as a cancer preventative they are used to fortify the immune system. They lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They also aid in weight loss while boosting energy. They are consumed in dishes or teas. Also great healers with influenza or colds.

“Scientific research indicates that the major actions of medicinal mushrooms are stimulating the immune system and protecting against cardiovascular disease, free radicals, mutagens, and toxins. Most medicinal mushrooms contain polysaccharides (complex sugar molecules) called beta-glucans that increase RNA and DNA in the bone marrow where immune cells, like lymphocytes, are made. The combination of compounds in mushrooms is believed to target the immune system and aid in neuron transmission, metabolism, and the transport of nutrients and oxygen. Three mushroom varieties — reishi, shiitake, and maitake — have been studied intensively and have proven to possess strong medicinal properties. All mushrooms must be cooked to get the nutritional value. The cell walls cannot be digested unless they are tenderized by heat.”
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 167

For now, try these out and see how they suit you, if at all. I’ve found them all to be extremely beneficial to my mental, emotional and spiritual health.

How are your Shilajit & Shrooms’ feeling?

xo,

Nicole

For more information check out links below:

http://www.herbslist.net/shilajit.html

http://www.chinese-herbs.org/cordyceps/benefits.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/021498_reishi_mushrooms.html#ixzz2IXvKkGom

http://www.examiner.com/article/can-eating-anti-viral-maitake-shiitake-mushrooms-shrink-tumors

Acupuncture & TCM

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On my last trip to Detroit in May for a festival I attend yearly, I had a bit of an accident. I hit my head hard, really hard on the top where a baby’s soft spot is while getting into a cab.
Hard enough that it caused me loss of memory, confusion and disorientation for the rest of the evening and next few days. Thank God for a friend who helped me through it, I was a lost cause and yes completely sober when it occurred.

Grant it, I may seem a bit spacey to the outside world at times, in reality my inner world and mind is flying faster than the speed of light in ideas, creative processes, visions and notions, hence the importance of meditation and grounding for me.
I am part writer 😉

Well this incident that happened with my head caused true spaciness and confusion for over a month, it was such a different perception that I was placed or should I say spaced into. I tried to overlook it but two weeks later I started to notice that my sense of smell was diminishing, over the next few days I lost it completely.

My ability to sense my surroundings from the aesthetic beauty and intuitive notions I gather was gone. My world was off, I was amiss, missing my sense and scents and cents…

As though I had lost my way the bump was a sign to redirect what was going on around me.

Confusion ultimately clears the way for Clarity…

After researching how to naturally cure a loss in sense of smell via head injury, I was lead to understand that Western medicine had no real answer for it.

Onto Acupuncture, which I had received years ago for something minimal that ailed me since childhood that no other form of medicine could cure, Acupuncture did. Acupuncture dates back more than 2,000 years and is the basis for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also incorporates herbs and applications far different from Western medicine. Acupuncture includes the practitioner placing metallic needles on acupuncture points on the surface of the skin.
I researched an Acupuncturist, which lead to a personal adventure scouring Chinatown into a somewhat obscure herbal store. Here, I visited with Dr. Kent in a small space where he saw patients in the back of the store with a curtain enclosing. Kent Young has practiced TCM for 30 years and hearing his healing stories gave me hope for my head.

After telling him what was going on, he checked my pulse and tongue. The pulse and tongue are guideposts to ascertain how and what is occurring in the body and are checked before a treatment.

Apparently my Chi was completely blocked in my head and knew when touching separate points on my body where it would hurt.
After the assessment he had me lay down, put needles in above stick figure I made, it was almost pain-free and very relaxing.

 

Of course this is the most brief description, please read up for more information as it’s a very complex system.

The basis behind TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is that every part of one’s physical and energetic structure is connected through the Chi or energy system. This system has two opposing and inseparable forces (yin and yang), maintaining balance within those is homeostasis. There are meridians that connect to each organ and points on the body that lead to opening the channels of Chi or Qi. The skin being like a map to the inner universe of one’s body. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the body with 12 Main Meridians and 8 secondary Meridians.

TCM is based around the five phases or elements earth, air, fire, water and wood while there are also the six excesses in which any part of the system (body, chi) can have: Wind, Cold, Fire/Heat, Dampness, Dryness and Summer Heat. Which is why foods and herbs and their cooling, heating, bitter, sweet etc properties play such an important role in keeping the balance (yin/yang).
Within the balance each organ has a separate correlation to different principles and expressions of life. For instance the liver is said to be the generator of chi and where we hold our anger/irritability. When the liver has too much heat like alcohol it produces anger and fire (redness and sickness) in the body, like how overdrinking and alcoholism can trigger intensity and anger (overheating and overtaxing liver).

I was given herbs for 10 dollars a bottle and paid 45 for the acupuncture. Pretty inexpensive considering. My sense of smell along with my grounded and clear nature started to return within a few days.
I now feel fantastic and went for my second appointment last week. Of course with any healing there is Herxheimer where I believe patterns of consciousness from sickness mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually surface and are witnessed to elimination.

I’ll be back with more fun Fungi and herbs that are superb.

xo,

Nicole

Related Articles

Don’t Tell My Mom I got Acupuncture (outlawmom.wordpress.com)
Going With The Flow (msguidedjourney.wordpress.com)
Acupuncture Protocols From A Quantum View (8ightnews.wordpress.com)
Dr. Kent Young in Chicago
Acupuncture Wikipedia

Oxygenate, Baby

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Over the past few months my equilibrium had become askew, which can sometimes be the case in the sweet spring and summer days. While there is always the extreme to pull one back into the middle, it doesn’t have to be so. There are ways to bring one’s homeostasis easily back into balance. My personal favorites are yoga, meditation and using herbs, food and natural remedies medicinally. Over these few posts I’m going to give some health and medicinal herbs. You can find what works for you and hopefully take some tips.

Oxygenation

Dr. Otto Warburg’s studies show that cancer is directly related to oxygen deprivation in the cells. The deprivation leads to mutation and decay in the cellular processes. This relates not only to Cancer but Candida (which I believe is the cause of cancer) and many other root causes of disease in our world.
We require adequate levels of oxygen in our body to maintain homeostasis. With a slightly alkaline PH there is higher oxygen uptake. (Check out post below on Acid vs. Alkaline for info and food list). The most harmful toxins in the body can be neutralized through the simple process of oxidation. Oxygenation is a disease preventative, while giving cellular rejuvenation, which helps one become more youthful.

Oxygen is the main catalyst for energy production and metabolic health in the body. Health equates to how well the body derives and absorbs nutrients and toxin release.

Hence, the importance of breathing and exercise.

How do you wish to feel 20 years from now? 😉

Get your stroll on…..

Aerobic exercise, such as walking, hiking, yoga, biking connects more with the lymphatic drainage system, giving the body a chance to release toxins. Walking for 15 minutes a day is stated to be more beneficial and oxidizing than going to the gym for 2 hours three times a week.

Get your breath on….

The most prevalent form of oxygen comes from the air we breathe, when we inhale it diffuses through membranes into red blood cells, circulates, finds tissues in need of oxygen, and then becomes oxidized by enzymes. On exhale Carbon Dioxide releases the waste from our cells, combining with hemoglobin and bicarbonates to transport back to the lungs. The cycle continues until we physically take our last breath. This function, as I described in the last post, is something our conscious mind doesn’t even have to think about… amazing!

An easy breathing exercise is breathing in for a count of 5, holding for a count of 5, breathing out for a count of 5, holding for a count of 5. You can do this up to 35 times which will help regulate the systems of the body and release stress and balance the hemispheres of the brain.

There are other forms of receiving beneficial oxygen including oxygen bars and food grade hydrogen peroxide. If you have interest in that please contact me for more info.

xo,

Nicole

Flood Your Body with Oxygen

Hydrogen Peroxide Cancer Treatment

Acid vs. Alkaline