April 2018
Hello, and welcome to this edition edition of my Natural Alternatives Newsletter!

I hope you will enjoy reading this issue.

If you like this e-zine, please do a friend and me a favor and pay it forward!

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“The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.” ~Hippocrates

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IN THIS ISSUE:

1) AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS OF CHAKRAS

2) FOUR GENTLE CLEANSING TECHNIQUES FOR SPRING

3) 6 PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS

4) UPCOMING ONLINE EVENTS FRE.E TO SIGN UP (Applying the Power of Celestial Herbalism, Discovering the Feminine Way of Plant Medicine)

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1) AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BASICS OF CHAKRAS
by Phylameana lila Desy

Chakras are an individual's energy centers that are associated with physical, mental and emotional interactions. They are the openings in a person's aura that allows life energy to flow into and out of. The function of a chakra is to vitalize the physical body and to bring about the development of self-consciousness. 

Chakras have been depicted as a funnel of sorts with smaller funnels within the funnel. They are also often referred to as looking like lotus flowers. 

The 7 major chakras are root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, brow and crown. Read on to learn the colors associated with each chakra and the purposes they serve. 

Root Chakra

Associated with the color red, the root chakra serves to align the mind with the physical body. In other words, to bring you down to earth when you're spacing off. Thus, the root chakra "roots" an individual in earth energies.

This chakra is physically located at the base of the spine. Lower back pain, depression, or disorders related to the immune system may be a sign that one's root chakra is imbalanced. If that is the case, foods that nourish the root chakra include carrots, parsnips, radishes, onions, soy products, hot paprika and cayenne pepper.

Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is linked to the color orange or red-orange. This chakra emanates creative energies that nurture inventive ideas.

It is located between the lower abdomen and the navel. Sacral chakra is also related to the emotions tied to blame, guilt, money, sex, power, control, creativity and morality. 

Solar Plexus Chakra

As you can probably guess from the name "solar," this chakra is connected to the color yellow, like a bright sun at high noon.

The solar plexus chakra cultivates a person's self-esteem and ego and is typically developed during puberty. Additionally, whenever someone speaks of a gut feeling, that is the solar plexus chakra at work.

Solar plexus chakras can influence emotional issues such as fear of rejection, sensitivity to criticism and indecisiveness. The spiritual lesson that can be derived from a strong solar plexus chakra is to accept one's place in the life stream and to emanate self-love.

Heart Chakra

The heart chakra is associated with green or pink colors. It is the center of love in our physical and emotional bodies. As the name implies, the heart chakra is located at the center of the chest by the heart organ.

Heart conditions, issues with the lungs, breast cancer and upper back problems may be symptoms of a wounded heart chakra. Breads, flax seed, dairy products, mints and turmeric are a few of the foods that can help balance a heart chakra.

Throat Chakra

Connected with the color sky blue, the throat chakra is the center of will and truth. Being open and honestly expressing oneself can ensure a healthy a throat chakra. On the other hand, being dishonest or false infects the energy flow of the throat chakra.

When the throat chakra shuts down, one loses his or her authenticity. A strong throat chakra can teach one to take responsibility for his or her own needs.

Brow (Third-Eye) Chakra

The brow chakra, also called the third-eye, is linked to the color indigo. Wearing indigo colored clothing can remind the subconscious to be more aware of and strengthen the brow chakra. Located at the center of the forehead, the brow chakra is a center of wisdom and the ability to learn. While this chakra prompts dreaming, it also allows one to separate reality from fantasy. 

The brow chakra influences the brain, neurological system, eyes, ears, nose and pituitary of the physical body. Berries, red grapes, lavender, poppy seed, mugwort and red wine are foods that nourish the third-eye.

Crown Chakra

The crown chakra is associated with the color violet or white.

It is the center of spiritual connection and the chakra that ignites spiritual awakening. Often represented in art as a lotus flower, the crown chakra is located at the top and center of the head.

The crown chakra can get cluttered, so many turn to fasting, detoxing or smudging to clear the path of this energy flow. Amber, diamond and moldavite are stones that can help balance the crown chakra.

For more information about the 7 chakras ans chakra healing clic.k here.

2) FOUR GENTLE CLEANSING TECHNIQUES FOR SPRING
By Amy Kresner

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, spring is the cleansing season. The same way that you spring clean your home, this is a great time of year to cleanse the toxins from your body.

While there are many cleanse programs available, such as juicing, fasting, or eating raw fruits and vegetables, these methods can be intimidating and extreme. The good news is that there are more subtle and gentle techniques that you can use to support your body in getting rid of toxins.

Why Cleanse?

Why should you consider incorporating cleansing techniques in your life?

Your body is an incredible organism that has a natural built-in filtration system to help you get rid of toxins, the harmful substances that have a negative impact on your health. The primary organ that helps to process excess toxins is your liver. Your liver is a powerful built-in filter for toxins, but it’s worth noting that you are exposed to more toxins than any previous generation. This influx of toxins comes from pollution in the air and water, toxic ingredients in beauty care and household cleaning products, electric and magnetic fields from technology, and more.

Some common symptoms of an excess toxic load in your body include:

* Fatigue
* Nausea, vomiting
* Headaches
* Back pain
* Infertility
* Skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc.)

Here are four gentle spring cleansing techniques that will help to take the burden off your liver so that your body will continue to get rid of toxins effectively and efficiently.

1. Dry Skin Brushing

Dry skin brushing specifically helps to activate the lymphatic system that resides directly underneath your skin. You can think of the lymphatic system as the stream that helps to get rid of toxins. When you activate your lymphatic system, it helps move toxins more efficiently through your body.

This cleansing practice is best done before you get into the shower. To get started, you’ll need to buy a dry skin brush or glove (look in your local health food store or online). Your dry skin brushing practice will only take about three minutes. Starting at your feet, brush your skin in a circular motion up toward your heart. Work your way up your entire body. Then, using the same circular motion, brush both of your arms—starting from the hands.

Once you are done, hop into a hot shower to experience the full benefits of this gentle cleansing practice. Skin is the body’s largest organ. As you can release toxins through your skin, this exfoliation method also supports healthy detoxification through your skin.

2. Breath Work

There are many breath work techniques that can help to release toxins from your body. One of the most well-known breathing techniques to help clear toxins from your lungs and respiratory system is Kapalabhati breathing, also known as “breath of fire.” In addition to cleansing your lungs, this form of breath work also helps to oxygenate your cells, which helps to purify your blood.

3. Greens Powder

While increasing the amount of green vegetables in your diet is a great place to start, it is difficult to get the variety of concentrated nutrients that you’ll find in a greens powder supplement by eating alone. The concentrated vitamins, minerals, and  phytonutrients (such as polyphenols, terpenes, and organic acids) that are found in a complex greens powder are helpful for gently opening up detoxification pathways and supporting liver cleansing. Most greens powders contain sea algae such as chlorella and spirulina, which are phytoplankton from the ocean that have antioxidant effects in the body. Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, which assists in heavy metal and pesticide detoxification.

Add one scoop of greens powder to a cup of water or a smoothie. Drink your greens powder either in the morning or mid-afternoon as a gentle way to boost your energy levels.

4. Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna helps to increase your blood circulation and stimulate your sweat glands to help get rid of toxins. They also heat the body from the inside out, raising your core temperature and driving toxins and heavy metals out of the largest organ in your body—your skin. If you are new to using an infrared sauna, start slowly by going in for 10 to 15 minutes. Eventually work your way up to 25- to 45-minute sessions, three to five days per week.

There are many different ways to support your body’s detoxification process. These gentle cleansing techniques help maintain your health and prevent disease. “Gently” press the reset button and start experiencing the many healing benefits of cleansing toxins from your body this spring!
About the Author: Amy Krasner is the founder of a San Diego-based nutrition practice Nourished Balance . She works one-on-one with clients to improve their health through science-based nutrition and holistic health coaching. Amy supports her clients with customized nutrition plans for health concerns including: thyroid imbalances, high cholesterol, weight loss, impaired digestion, and auto-immune conditions. Amy also works with several local companies to provide nutrition education and services as part of the employee wellness programs.
Source: chopra.com

3) 6 PROVEN HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS
By Maria Masters

Don’t be fooled by their small size: Chia seeds are packed with fiber, fat, and antioxidants.

Chia seeds have a reputation for being a “superfood”—and for a good reason: They may be tiny, but they pack a wallop of a nutritional punch.

In fact, just one spoonful of chia seeds—that’s .5 ounces, to be precise—has just 69 calories, but boasts 5 grams of fiber, 4 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.

“You can find a lot of foods that are high in fiber and fat, but chia seeds have these benefits in a very small package,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN, a dietitian and author of The Superfood Swap. “I think that’s what makes them super.”

The health benefits of chia seeds aren’t exactly new—in fact, people have been eating them for more than 5,000 years. Originally from Mexico and Guatemala, chia—i.e., Salvia hispanica L., a member of the mint family—was used by the Aztecs and Mayans in everything from meals to medicines to cosmetics, according to a 2016 study in the Journal of Food Science and Technology.

And these tiny seeds are as versatile as they are healthy: “I use them anywhere that I use chopped nuts,” says Jackson-Blatner. “I put them in smoothies or on top of a salad, or I’ll use them to make chia seed pudding.” (Get started with these recipes for chia seeds.)

Available year-round, you can buy them online (try Amazon.com) or find them at most brick-and-mortar grocery stores. Still not convinced? Here are six reasons why chia seeds are good for your health—proof that good things really do come in small packages.

1. Chia Seeds Are Loaded With Fiber

One tablespoon of chia seeds packs a whopping 5 grams of fiber—about 20 percent of the recommended daily fiber intake. (By contrast, the same amount of brown rice contains just .2 grams of fiber.) Even though dietary fiber can help lower our cholesterol levels and shore up our digestive health, statistics show that most women in the United States are only eating about 15 grams per day—well short of the recommended 25 grams.

2. Chia Seeds May Help Build Strong Bones

Chia seeds are high in phosphorus and magnesium—two minerals that can help keep our bones healthy, says Tara Gidus Collingwood, RDN, a dietitian and author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. In a 2015 study published in the Nutrition Journal, people who had the highest intakes of phosphorus had a 45 percent lower risk of osteoporosis than those with the lowest intakes.

One tablespoon of chia seeds contains 122 milligrams of phosphorus and 47 milligrams of magnesium—about 17 percent and 15 percent of your recommended daily intake, respectively.

3. Chia Seeds Are a cCmplete Protein

It can be hard for people who eat a plant-based diet to find “complete proteins”—i.e., proteins that contain all of the essential amino acids that your body needs to keep functioning. (Complete proteins tend to be found in animal products, including meat, poultry, and seafood.)

Chia seeds, however, are a complete protein, which makes them a good option for vegans and vegetarians, says Gidus Collingwood. While a tablespoon will only net you 2 grams (one reason why it shouldn’t be your main protein source, says Jackson Blatner), you can boost your protein intake by making a chia seed pudding with soy milk and crushed almonds.

Bonus: “Chia seeds also make a great substitute for eggs in recipes,” says Jackson Blatner. “Add 3 tablespoons water to 1 part chia seeds, and you have this gooey mixture that works as an egg replacement.”

4. Chia Seeds Are Rich In Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Chia seeds are a source of alpha- linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that may offer a “modest protection” against cardiovascular disease, according to 2014 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. ALA is an essential fatty acid; because your body can’t produce it on its own, you have to consume it from food.

That said, Gidus Collingwood notes that people still need to get two other kinds of omega-3s—docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—from fish and seafood. Although your body can convert some ALA into DHA and EPA, it can only do so in small amounts, according to the National Institutes of Health.

5. Chia Seeds Can Help You Stay Hydrated

Going out for a run? You might want to fuel up with chia seed drink first.

“Chia seeds soak up a lot of water, so they might help athletes or endurance runners stay hydrated,” says Jackson Blatner. One 2009 study published in the journal Food Science and Technology found that one gram of chia flour could absorb almost 12 grams of water.

6. Chia Seeds May Help You Lose Weight.

A 2017 study in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice found that when people ate a snack of yogurt paired with either 7 or 14 grams of chia seeds, they ate 25 percent fewer calories at a later meal than those who just ate plain yogurt.

Because chia seeds are so good at absorbing water, it’s thought that they can boost your satiety: “They actually expand and get this gelatinous consistency that helps people stay full a little bit longer,” says Gidus Collingwood. And, of course, the high fiber content can help fill you up, too.
Source: prevention.com

4) UPCOMING ONLINE EVENTS FRE.E TO SIGN UP

I am excited to invite you to check out the following online events:

Applying the Power of Celestial Herbalism : Using Plant Medicine, Ayurveda, and Vedic Astrology for Detoxification, Healing & Spiritual Growth
Discovering the Feminine Way of Plant Medicine: Healing Through the Wisdom of Natural Remedies, Rhythms & Relationships.

5 Qigong Steps for Rejuvenating your Immune System

You can sign up even when the event is over or you are not able to attend. You will get access to the recording.

To check out the latest online events please go here

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VISIT THE NATURAL HEALTH STORE
Please visit the Health Store for organic health foods, vitamins, supplements, beauty products and more.

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PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

Thank you for reading.

Livia
www.natural-health-and-healing.com
Brampton, Ontario, Canada

P.S. If you have a comment or suggestion, just reply to this e-mail. Your feedback is important to me.

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This newsletter is for educational purposes only. It is your right to educate yourself in health and medical knowledge, to seek helpful information and make use of it for your own benefit, and for that of your family. You are the one responsible for your health. You must educate yourself in order to make decisions in all health matters. My views and advises are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medicine, but simply a help you to make educated changes in order to help your body heal itself. If you have a medical condition or concern you should consult your physician.