Archive for March, 2010

Reflexology - What is it?

March 24th, 2010 -- Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

What is reflexology? It’s a science based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet, hands, and face that directly correspond with glands, organs, and parts of the body that has been used for centuries. I know this sounds bizarre, but I’m pretty open to trying things especially when I’m in pain! I have Crohn’s disease, flare ups cause inflammation of the intestines, and as many know, it can be quite painful. I have been using different things to help my Crohn’s and reflexology is one of them. I originally went to someone that specializes in reflexology for my first try. It was a very relaxing experience and I did get relief from my pain. Soon afterward, a dear friend of mine learned the art of reflexology, so I continued to learn from her.

A wonderful chart is available online so that you can see what each part of the foot correlates to in your body. If you look at the chart, the intestines are located in the middle of the foot, thus I would take a few drops of essential oil, mixed with a bit of my peppermint lotion and massage that area. At first you may not notice, but after a bit, you will be able to see that certain areas are more sensitive than others, these are the areas that need to be massaged the most or the area that is causing the problem. I like to use lavender or peace and calming essential oils(for their relaxing ability), along with peppermint(for pain).

I have also helped my husband recently, he had hurt his back and was on the verge of going to the chiropractor. I told him I would do reflexology on his feet to hold him over until he could get into the chiropractor. He thoroughly enjoyed his massage and reported that it had helped a lot. I did his feet each night for the next few days, using my peppermint lotion, peppermint and valor essential oils. Valor essential oil has been known to adjust the spine for many. Needless to say, he is convinced that reflexology works.

Here are some known benefits of relexology:
* Reduce stress and tension
* Improve circulation
* Alleviate pain
* Balance nervous system
* Boost lymphatic system
* Improve sleeping patterns
* Increase energy and vitality

Give it a try, you might be surprised. I would recommend you have someone help you at first, then you will see exactly what they are doing and they can even explain why it hurts here or there. There are also many books and CDs available on the subject. Enjoy!

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How to make homemade popcorn

March 4th, 2010 -- Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Oh, the smell of fresh popped popcorn, no one can resist. Have you ever tried making it the old fashioned way? Here’s what you will need:

a stainless steel saucepan with a handle
coconut oil
popcorn( I prefer the white)
stove

Put a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil in the saucepan and put the heat on 7 or a bit over medium. Add enough popcorn to just cover the bottom of the pan. Use the handle of the pan to gently move it back and forth over the burner. In the meantime, melt a few tablespoons of coconut oil to pour over the popcorn. When the popcorn starts to pop, turn the stove up to 10 or high, at this point, you will need to move the pan back and forth over the burner constantly. When it is done popping, pour it into a bowl and drizzle a bit of your melted coconut oil over it, and sprinkle with sea salt. I prefer sea salt as it has some nutrition in it. Shake the contents of the bowl or bag gently and drizzle more coconut oil over it and once again sprinkle with salt. Taste test to be sure all is well, and eat!

Optional: Sprinkle nutritional yeast on your popcorn, you will be amazed how good it is and it’s good for you! We’ve also sprinkled parmesan cheese on it!

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