Cape Cod Holistic

A holistic lifestyle will definitely improve your attitude towards life and how you take care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The Holistic Approach of Alternative Medicine

Lifestyle changes can be difficult, determining your direction and goals can also be challenging.  A holistic coach can help you shape up and start living your life in a way that is more in line with your life’s goals than your current lifestyle may be.

There are eight important areas of our life that we need to pay equal attention to: work, money, environment, personal growth, health, community, family and our spirituality.  A holistic coach will consider all the aspects and how, if out of balance, can contribute to health problems.

There are several things to consider when looking for a holistic life coach.

• Consider their experience.  Holistic life coaches should have experience working with different kinds of people. Testimonials from former clients are also a good sign that they’ve accomplished what they say they can.

• Find out how long they have been giving advice and helping people.  Ask how long they have worked as a part-time or full-time coach. You basically want to interview them on a conversational level to find out if you’re both a good fit for each other.

• Holistic coaches can focus on career, life, sales, or any particular field of your choice. Make your needs, desires and goals clear to your coach. They’re best able to help you if you know what direction you’d like to go.

• There is no harm with talking with several holistic coaches before making a choice.  Look for other holistic coaches and meet with them, choose the person you best identify with. It’s an important choice, as important as choosing the right doctor.

• Make sure that the coach you choose understands and listen to your objectives and your demands. The most effective coaches are also the most effective communicators.

• You’ll want to check each coach’s references.  Talk to previous clients or friends or family who worked with the coach and get their feedback.

• Aside from checking the coach’s reference, make sure that they also attended or are accredited by the International Coach Federation or other reputable Trade Associations.  They also provide membership to professional life coaches.

• When meeting with a holistic coach, make sure that you full understand what kinds of services you are receiving. Be sure that the services and fee structure are explained to your satisfaction.

• Choose a coach whom you can identify with whether it is for personal or business reasons. It’s important that you feel comfortable with each other in order to communicate effectively.

It is important to choose a life coach who was able to understand a person clearly and deliver results.  There are a lot of people who falsely advertise themselves as a holistic or life coach. Do not get fooled by impostors and scam artists.

What is a clear way to separate a trustworthy holistic coach?  Check their website.  If they have contact information on their website, make sure to call and verify the information.  Also make sue there’s personal contact information indicated on the site which makes it accessible to clients  24 hours a day.

Also remember that holistic coaches are meant to ease the burden and help you achieve some direction in your life, not add to your stress.  Holistic coaches should be motivating, inspiring, exciting and drives you to action, if they cause you stress, then tell them.  You are the one who will pay the bill, and besides at the end of the day, it is still about you.

While holistic lifestyle coaches can help you prioritize and organize your life in a more balanced way, they’re not meant to be a panacea or fix-all cure. The bulk of the responsibility ultimately lies with you. Nobody can force you to eat the right things, exercise regularly or meditate daily. Deep inside you probably know that they’re the right things to do, you just haven’t “gotten a round tuit” yet. This is exactly where a holistic lifestyle coach can make the difference for you. Decide if it’s a good choice for you and then find someone today. Procrastination is the biggest obstacle that most people face….do it now.

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Are you concerned with your carbohydrate intake?

Wikipedia

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A holistic lifestyle will definitely improve your attitude towards life and how you take care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The Holistic Approach of Alternative Medicine

Lifestyle changes can be difficult, determining your direction and goals can also be challenging.  A holistic coach can help you shape up and start living your life in a way that is more in line with your life’s goals than your current lifestyle may be.

There are eight important areas of our life that we need to pay equal attention to: work, money, environment, personal growth, health, community, family and our spirituality.  A holistic coach will consider all the aspects and how, if out of balance, can contribute to health problems.

There are several things to consider when looking for a holistic life coach.

• Consider their experience.  Holistic life coaches should have experience working with different kinds of people. Testimonials from former clients are also a good sign that they’ve accomplished what they say they can.

• Find out how long they have been giving advice and helping people.  Ask how long they have worked as a part-time or full-time coach. You basically want to interview them on a conversational level to find out if you’re both a good fit for each other.

• Holistic coaches can focus on career, life, sales, or any particular field of your choice. Make your needs, desires and goals clear to your coach. They’re best able to help you if you know what direction you’d like to go.

• There is no harm with talking with several holistic coaches before making a choice.  Look for other holistic coaches and meet with them, choose the person you best identify with. It’s an important choice, as important as choosing the right doctor.

• Make sure that the coach you choose understands and listen to your objectives and your demands. The most effective coaches are also the most effective communicators.

• You’ll want to check each coach’s references.  Talk to previous clients or friends or family who worked with the coach and get their feedback.

• Aside from checking the coach’s reference, make sure that they also attended or are accredited by the International Coach Federation or other reputable Trade Associations.  They also provide membership to professional life coaches.

• When meeting with a holistic coach, make sure that you full understand what kinds of services you are receiving. Be sure that the services and fee structure are explained to your satisfaction.

• Choose a coach whom you can identify with whether it is for personal or business reasons. It’s important that you feel comfortable with each other in order to communicate effectively.

It is important to choose a life coach who was able to understand a person clearly and deliver results.  There are a lot of people who falsely advertise themselves as a holistic or life coach. Do not get fooled by impostors and scam artists.

What is a clear way to separate a trustworthy holistic coach?  Check their website.  If they have contact information on their website, make sure to call and verify the information.  Also make sue there’s personal contact information indicated on the site which makes it accessible to clients  24 hours a day.

Also remember that holistic coaches are meant to ease the burden and help you achieve some direction in your life, not add to your stress.  Holistic coaches should be motivating, inspiring, exciting and drives you to action, if they cause you stress, then tell them.  You are the one who will pay the bill, and besides at the end of the day, it is still about you.

While holistic lifestyle coaches can help you prioritize and organize your life in a more balanced way, they’re not meant to be a panacea or fix-all cure. The bulk of the responsibility ultimately lies with you. Nobody can force you to eat the right things, exercise regularly or meditate daily. Deep inside you probably know that they’re the right things to do, you just haven’t “gotten a round tuit” yet. This is exactly where a holistic lifestyle coach can make the difference for you. Decide if it’s a good choice for you and then find someone today. Procrastination is the biggest obstacle that most people face….do it now.

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What is Vitamin D Deficiency Syndrome (VDDS)?

A Healthy Diet

VDDS can occur when levels of this essential nutrient fall below 50 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) and is ususally found in patients that suffer from two or more of these conditions: autoimmune diseases, heart disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, some cancers, chronic pain, IBS, obesity, PMS, muscular weakness, fibromyalgia, Chron’s, MS, and chronic fatigue and chronic pain. (1)

A syndrome is defined as “a group of symptoms or signs typical of a disease, disturbance, condition, or lesion…a set of concurrent things”. These symptoms manifested together cannot be said to be caused by VDDS, only that they are associated with it.(2)

Recent research in the field has shown that the RDR (recommended daily requirements) for Vitamin D may be off by as much as 10 times. Supplementing your Vitamin D intake can help prevent some of the diseases mentioned above.

Where Do We Get Vitamin D From?

Vitamin D can be found in quite a number of different food sources including: fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. There are actually two different types of Vitamin D that are important to humans. Vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol and Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol. Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants and D3 is synthesized by humans when their skin is exposed to UVB rays.

The main function of Vitmin D in our bodies is to help us maintain normal blood levels of other important nutrients like calcium and phosphorous. Recent studies have also indicated that there may be benefits to those suffering from some of the medical symptoms and issues described above.(3)

What Are The Guidelines For A Healthy Diet With Vitamin D?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy diet as one that

• Emphasizes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
  • Milk is fortified with vitamin D, as are many ready-to-eat cereals and a few brands of yogurt and orange juice. Cheese naturally contains small amounts of vitamin D.
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
  • Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are very good     sources of vitamin D. Small amounts of vitamin D are     also found in beef liver and egg yolks.
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.
  • Vitamin D is added to some margarines.
• Stays within your daily calorie needs.

References:

(1)John Jacob Cannell MD, http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/cannellBiography.shtml
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/cancerMain.shtml
(2) John Jacob Cannell MD,
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/vdds.shtml
(3) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d/NS_patient-vitamind

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By Annetta Ribken

You may have heard of shingles, especially if you’re in the over-forty group, but there are a lot of misconceptions about shingles and the treatment. For those who have contracted the illness, the side-effects of the anti-viral drugs on the market may outweigh the benefits, especially if you have underlying medical conditions. The good news is there are alternative treatments available with essential oils that can help mitigate this painful illness.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the dormant virus after an episode of chickenpox. The virus, varicella-zoster, hides in the nerve cells near the spine and can be triggered later on by stress, a compromised immune system, aging, or illness. Characterized by a burning pain on one side of the body, shingles will then evolve to a rash of fluid-filled blisters. The pain is often debilitating and quite severe in some cases, and can last weeks or even months.

Shingles are not contagious, however, the fluid from the blistering rash contains the varicella-zoster virus, and people who have not been exposed to chickenpox can catch it from exposure to the blisters.

Although there is no cure for shingles, there are things you can do to help manage the symptoms. Antiviral drugs are most effective when taken within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms, but they are also effective at managing the pain and rash even when taken outside this window. Still, antiviral drugs may not be suitable for all people to take. What are some of the alternatives?

Essential oils have been used for centuries in the treatment of shingles and the painful rash that accompanies this illness. The advantages are essential oils are relatively inexpensive and have few, if any, side-effects.

Oregano Essential Oil: Oregano essential oil is from the family of mint, and has very potent anti-fungal, antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. Because of its strength, it is recommended that oregano essential oil be diluted with a base oil such as jojoba oil for optimal results.

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is steam distilled from a small shrub from Australia from the family of myrtle. Australian natives have known for centuries about the anti-fungal, anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil. It is also considered to be a potent disinfectant.

Lavender Essential Oil: Also from the mint family, lavender essential oil not only smells heavenly, it too has powerful antiseptic properties. It is also known for its calming effect, and can reduce pain and irritation as well as soothing inflammation.

Geranium Essential Oil: Originating from Egypt or India, geranium essential oil joins this family of antiseptics and is also good as an antispasmodic and antioxidant to calm the nerves and boost the immune system.

Here is an essential oil recipe that can be used to treat the painful rash of shingles:

10 drops lavender

10 drops tea tree oil

5 drops geranium

2 drops oregano

10 drops jojoba or other base oil

This mixture should be combined in a glass bowl. Test a small sample on the inside of the forearm. Then, if no reaction is noted, clean the affected area with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Apply the essential oil mixture with clean cotton balls, and let dry. This can be applied twice a day, typically once in the morning and once at night. The only side-effect known could be redness, irritation, or rash, but it is rare and if it occurs, treatment should be stopped immediately and the redness or irritation will clear up right away.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for shingles, and if you’ve experienced chickenpox, you already have the virus in your system. Therefore, the best course of treatment is prevention. To this end, it is important to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. This means eating healthy, getting enough rest, and taking nutritional supplements such as L-Lysine, which has been shown to be beneficial in helping to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy cells.

Medication in the form of antidepressants and anti-virals can help reduce the pain and lessen the duration of shingles, but for immediate relief with few, if any, side-effects, essential oils work very well. If the pain becomes too intense to control, or a fever should develop, contact a professional health care provider immediately.

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Flock of Gulls

Why does helping others make people happy, less stressful and motivated? Why do many psychologists recommend that it is better to help yourself by helping others? Read on:

Based on psychological theory and research, you can gain considerable benefits by helping other people. Being kind and generous causes a person to perceive others more positively. Volunteering or helping others often relieves stress, guilt, discomfort and suffering. It also inspires a sense of awareness and appreciation for your own blessings. Simply put it: you help yourself by helping others because it makes you feel more advantaged and thankful compared to other people.

Here are more advantages you can get by helping other people, especially the less fortunate:

1. The benefit of self-perception – Helping other people causes you to begin viewing yourself as an altruistic and compassionate person. This perception can foster a sense of confidence, optimism, and usefulness. You feel good about yourself, thus your self-perception becomes optimistic rather than pessimistic. Your loneliness is shadowed by your wanting to be a good person whose abilities and skills shine through in your daily life.

2. Helping others or volunteering helps you hone your abilities, resources, and expertise – You help yourself by helping others because it makes you highlight the best aspects of personality in you, like leadership and management skills, project planning and implementing skills, and more.

3. Helping others helps you feel you have a control over your life – Helping others gives you a sense of control. It reminds you that “you can choose to be good” and not every detail of your life are driven by consequences and scripting (like the role you have to play dictated by family or bosses).

4. Helping other people gives you the opportunity to learn new skills or discover talents – People or social skills are usually gained by connecting to people. Helping others not only exposes you to people but empower you to gain confidence in yourself and your friendship with other people. There are more other skills that you can learn by helping other people of volunteering. In fact, some people uses volunteering opportunities to hone skills needed for their job or careers.

5. Helping others promotes a sense of meaningfulness and value in one’s life – Psychologists recommend helping other people or volunteering as one of the ways to topple depression and loneliness. When you learn to focus on the needs of others you start to perceive life in a positive way. Acts of kindness can jump-start a cascade of positive social consequences – more people like you, appreciate you, and offer gratitude. Some even consider you as an inspiration to do good and also help others.

6. Helping other people creates bridges of love and camaraderie – You help yourself by helping other people because you allow yourself to become a part of society that values camaraderie, friendship and love. Helping others satisfies the basic human need for connecting with others, winning smiles, gratitude, and valued friendship. According to social experiments, happiness increases when people learn that their acts of kindness are appreciated and recognized.

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Fortified with Vitamin D

More and more studies are pointing to the fact that a Vitamin D deficiency is at the root of many common and troubling dis-eases. Vitamin D can be absorbed naturally through the skin by exposure to sunlight. The use of sunscreens actually prevents the bodies natural ability to produce Vitamin D. The body’s ability to produce Vitamin D is brought about by tanning naturally, without burning of course, which can lead to an increased risk of cancers.

Recent studies have proven that Vitamin D had a very similar effect on breast cancer cells to studies conducted with Tomoxafen, which is a widely used breast cancer drug. Having recently beat her own battle with breast cancer, GMA’s Robin Roberts brings us a very informative piece:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOUiIvp2j18[/youtube]

So is it the sun or a Vitamin D deficiency that’s causing the bulk of skin cancers? Are tanning beds good or bad? Can you use diet to improve your Vitamin D deficiency?

Mike Adams, The Health Ranger had this to say:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd1NVsZcgRI[/youtube]

Some doctors even recommend the limited use of indoor tanning beds in the winter months to compensate for the lack of natural sunshine during those months of shorter days. It’s a controversial and edgy topic on which to take a stand, but as you can see here, some have;

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsWe4INEhfc&amp[/youtube]

Read the rest of this entry »

Red Valerian

Since the days of the ancient Greeks, the herb Valerian (Latin for “strong”) has been used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, digestive and liver problems. It has also been dispensed as a  treatment for urinary tract infections. Utilized as a perfume in the Middle Ages, Native Americans also used the ground root as a substitute for flour. In Germany, Valerian was often boiled and eaten as a soup stock or hot beverage.

Valerian is also known in various parts of the world as Phu, All-Heal, Cat’s Valerian, Capon’s Trailer, Sets Wale, English Valerian, Vandal Root, Bloody Butcher, Fragrant Valerian, Set Well, Amantilla, , and Red Valerian. Cats love Valerian and often exhibit the same behavior as they do for catnip.

Grown naturally in Europe and some parts of Asia, over 150 species of Valerian are now grown in most parts of the world with temperate climates. It is a perennial herb that grows in clumps up to five feet in height. The flowers are white or pink and have an aroma similar to a cross between vanilla and cloves, but it is the root that is harvested and used for medicinal purposes.

Valerian should be planted at least twelve inches deep and about a foot apart. Compost and mulching is recommended, as is regular watering to supplement natural rainfall. A high nitrogen fertilizer once per month is sufficient. The flowers should be snipped after they fade. The root clumps can be divided and planted elsewhere in the spring and fall months.

The root is normally harvested in the autumn, cut into slices, and dried over a period of two weeks. These dried slices can then be stored in an airtight container for up to three or four months if kept in a cool, dry, and dark area. Dried Valerian can also be stored in airtight plastic bags.

Historically, Valerian has been used mainly as a treatment for insomnia and anxiety, and may be used in conjunction with kava for the best effect. In one study, a placebo-controlled double blind test showed that a dosage of 600 mg of Valerian over a two-week period did indeed drastically improve some patient’s slow wave sleep, although studies have been contradictory and more work needs to be done to validate the claims of Valerian.

For anxiety, a small number of trials indicate Valerian can reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease feelings of anxiety, except results are still inconclusive. Although there is a lot of anecdotal evidence over hundreds of years supporting claims Valerian does help with insomnia and anxiety, there haven’t been enough documented studies done to date to scientifically substantiate the claims.

Valerian can be administered through teas, powders, and tinctures, however, the most common form of dispensing is in capsules. Valerian is available in most popular department and drug stores in 300 to 600 mg increments.  The dosage for insomnia is recommended at 300 – 600 mgs taken 30-90 minutes before sleep. This is equivalent to 2-3gms of driedValerian root steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes for a tea. The dose is easier to control in capsule form, although the tea is easier for some people to take.

Side effects of taking Valerian are rare, which makes it a popular choice for insomnia. Users have stated there is no “day after” grogginess with Valerian, unlike some of the more popular pharmaceutical sleep aids on the market today. Occasionally, people have experienced headaches and gastro-intestinal distress with Valerian. Additionally, anecdotal experience suggests it may take up to two weeks before the effects of Valerian manifest, indicating a certain level has to be in the blood before one can benefit from the properties of Valerian.

Legally, Valerian is classified by the FDA as a supplement and not a medication. This means Valerian is not regulated like a drug, and is subject to only the standard US labeling requirements.  A prescription is not necessary to purchase Valerian. Interactions with other drugs are also rare, although it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol and taking Valerian because of its sedative quality. Additionally, people who are taking medication to regulate their blood pressure need to be especially careful because of the herb’s ability to lower blood pressure. As with any natural supplement, a health care provider should be consulted before attempting self-medication for anxiety or insomnia with Valerian.

Freelance editor and writer Annetta Ribken has been writing since a tender young age, when letters were chiseled on stone tablets. A precocious student, Annetta received her Ph.D in the School of Hard Knocks, with honors, in the early age of disco. Her early medical education sparked an interest in alternative medicine which has since become a passion. You can learn more about her at www.wordwebbing.com.

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