Five Elements

The five element theory is an ancient Chinese practice of acheiving and maintaining physical health. The key is to keep all of the elements in balance for optimum wellness. The five elements are fire, water, metal, wood and earth. This is a cycle based on nature and the seasons and change. It goes: fire gives rise to earth, earth gives rise to metal, metal gives rise to water, water gives rise to wood, wood gives rise to fire and so the cycle continues.

The Chinese refer to energy and life force as "chi" and believe that the natural flow of energy and change is essential to health. They believe that the resistance of change creates disease. Much of this theory is based on nutrition and using observation to recognize imbalances of the elements before disease begins.

Each element has associations such as personality type, taste preferences and organ dominance. People who "fly off the handle" are a typical example of a fire imbalance. Those with a "nervous" stomach may have an earth imbalance and may also appear to not be "grounded".

Below is a fun quiz which is more of a personality test to find your dominant element. Anyone who knows me and knows nothing about the five elements would know that my dominant element is Fire and of course that is what this test showed when I took it.

the chinese elements quiz

the chinese elements quiz

Affirmation

Trust your intuition. Quietly affirm that you will define your own reality from now on, and that your definition will be based on your inner wisdom. -Dr. Wayne Dyer

Intuition is the most powerful thing that you own. Trusting yourself, listening and acting on what you feel will build confidence and ultimately bring you to where you should be.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a complementary medicine using essential oils along with a carrier oil inhaled or applied externally. It is both an art and science that has been practiced for centuries. There are many references in the Bible to essential oils, most notably the three wise men having brought Frankincense and Myrrh to baby Jesus upon his arrival.

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils with mutiple chemical constituents, some being very complex containing several hundred constituents. Essential oils are acquired from the distillation of plant material including leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, flowers etc. These oils have many properties including anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal to name a few. Essential oils also work on an emotional level via the limbic system which enacts the flight or fight response. This is also the area of the brain which recalls nostalgia. Everyone has smelled a scent which has evoked a memory or emotion, that is the limbic system working.

The art of aromatherapy is in blending several essential oils together with a combination of carriers. There are countless combinations that can be made based on specific needs and desires. Aromatherapy blends can be made for just about any ailment or simply for your own pleasure.

Holistic Health and Well Being

Holistic health is maintaining wellness of your whole being. This philosophy integrates mind, body and spirit to attain balance and an overall sense of well being. When people think of illness they generally relate it to physical symptoms. Although many people do recognize mental illness, most do not understand and appreciate the value of emotional wellness. What starts in the mind as mental stress can later manifest in physical forms of debilitation. Increasing your emotional intellegence, that is gaining awareness of your thoughts and feelings can lead to an overall sense of well being. When you nurture your thoughts you will develop a keen awareness of your entire self. Listening to your deep desires and acting in an intuitive manner will revitalize your mind. This awareness will result in reduced tension, healthy sleep patterns and greater physical health.

Thought

If you feel defeated, unmotivated or uninspired remember this: Your thoughts and dreams are all your own. You are an individual with a purpose. You are in control, do not let others control you and your life. If you feel that you have nothing right now, recognize that you are a unique individual with your own thoughts and dreams that no one can take from you. Become intimate with yourself and your feelings. Allow this to empower you and to make things happen in your life. You do not need others to make things happen. You have a purpose and you need to find out what it is. When you get to work finding your purpose it will inevitably inspire you to start living your life and transforming your dreams into your reality.

Dead Sea Salts

The Dead Sea has long been known for its healing properties due to the mineral rich waters unlike anywhere else in the world. People have travelled to this region for centuries to experience the therapeutic benefits of soaking in these waters. Dead Sea salts are reputed to help conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatic disorders and increase overall skin health by improving skin barrier function. Dead Sea Salts can be found easily online but make sure that the supplier is a reputable one. I would recommend http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/. They sell a nice selection including course and fine ground salt in a variety of different sized containers.

The following bath soak will provide relief for tired aching muscles and is helpful for all arthritic conditions.

Therapeutic bath soak:

1/2 cup dead sea salts

2-3 tbsp carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or safflower oil

4 drops tea tree essential oil

3 drops fir essential oil

2 drops frankincense essential oil

Method: First mix essential oil drops with carrier oil, then add to dead sea salts and mix well. Add to warm bath water.

Deep sleep pillow spray

This pillow spray is easy to make and can help aide restful sleep. Spray this on your pillow to help you unwind after a stressful day and to facilitate deeper sleep.

2 ounces distilled water

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin

6 drops clary sage essential oil

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Method: In a clean spray bottle mix the vegetable glycerin and essential oil drops. Then add the distilled water. Cap bottle and shake well to combine. Lightly mist pillow with spray before bed. Sweet dreams.