Blog #145 Some Lesser Known Resources for Optimal Health

 

Although it is true that some people cannot afford to purchase organic food, air purifiers, and other supportive supplies, many of us can afford to buy at least some of these items, especially when faced with negative health consequences that can occur when people do not care for themselves and their families as well as their circumstances allow.  Below are many sources of excellent, life-giving foods, water and air purification systems, exercise suggestions, holistic health support, and not easily found sources of information regarding good health.

 

Several Food Co-ops either currently exist or will soon exist in the Chicago area.  Dill Pickle Food Co-op operates in Logan Square, on Milwaukee Avenue, the Chicago Market will be in Uptown, on Wilson Avenue,  and Wild Onion Food Co-op (Rogers Park) will be opening this year, on Clark Street.  All three of these food co-ops buy or will buy much of their produce from local farmers, some of whom are certified Organic.  Larger stores, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Mariano’s also sell a significant amount of Organic or other naturally-grown produce, though much of their food comes from more distant locations, such as California or Mexico. Farmers’ Markets usually are my favorite places to buy produce.  There are many markets in the Chicago area, such as the Logan Square, Green City and Rogers’ Park Markets.  Farmers markets exist in almost all Chicago suburbs, including Skokie, Evanston, Oak Park, Wilmette, and Park Ridge.  Evanston is my personal favorite.  There are also stores that buy meat, dairy and produce primarily from local farmers and sell to the public. The store that I am most familiar with is Village Farmstand, located in Evanston, on Dempster.  Several community gardens in Chicago and also in other suburbs, such as Evanston, allow you to rent a plot and grow some produce in spring, summer and autumn.  And, of course, if you are fortunate enough to have land for a garden, you can grow some of your own food.  

 

Unfortunately, last year, Chicago was rated as one of the most polluted cities in the U.S., due to the Canadian fires.  Many people chose to stay inside as much as possible, and air purifiers helped make the indoor air less toxic. Several air purifiers recommended by Consumers are several Blue Air Blue Pure brand air filters, Conway Air brand filters, Alen Breathe Smart, Clean Force brand, and Honeywell brand air purifiers.  I personally would add Air Doctor air purifiers to the list.  Another way to keep air in your space clean is to have many plants (and I mean vast numbers) in your spaces.  It is best to primarily use those that are good bedroom plants. These will not exhale a lot of carbon dioxide at night, like many plants do.  Some plants I would recommend to keep your indoor air clean are Boston Fern, English Ivy, all Palm Trees, Rubber Plants, Pearl Lilly, and Snake Plant (this last is my favorite).  

 

Regarding water, it is best not to drink water from plastic bottles, since those bottles both pollute the environment and introduce small particles of plastic into your body.  Instead, I would recommend consuming water in glass bottles, such as Mountain Valley, or Voss.  Otherwise, it would be best to purify tap water at home.  The best ways to purify water are either distillation, which removes all impurities, including fluoride, reverse osmosis, which removes almost all impurities, or a high quality water filter.  Several waters purifiers I would recommend include Zero Water, Aqua Pure, Berkey (gravity driven, no electricity), APEC Water System (reverse osmosis) and Water Wise (distillation).  

 

Highly beneficial exercise includes regular walks, preferably out of doors, near a body of water or In a wooded area, regular Yoga, Tai Chi or Chi Gong practice, modern, flowing dance as well as some more challenging exercises, such as weight lifting two or three times a week or using exercise bands several times a week.  Strong Posture, a program to cultivate improved posture and balance, is also very beneficial, especially for people who are middle aged or older.  Grounding yourself by being barefoot on earth or sand can be helpful.  I also recommend forest bathing – spending time walking and relaxing among trees. These above types of exercise will help reduce stress, support better sleep and digestion, keep the body more toned and strong, support the immune system, and much more. 

 

Finally, supportive therapies, such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage, and guided specific therapeutic exercises can all improve both mental and physical health.  I wish you the best in finding what works best for you.

 

This blog’s offer:  contact me if you would like to receive Chiropractic or Acupuncture therapy, if you would like to take a Strong Posture course, or if you would like to learn some Chi Gong forms appropriate for you. Also, if you contact me, I will share with you some difficult to find sources of information regarding protecting yourself from infectious disease, medical errors, and more.

                                    Blog #144 Peace in the Midst of Storms

(written during the tornado watch in the Chicago area on February 27, 2024)

 

In this blog, I will share with you information about several wise teachers who refer to and exemplify Peace, especially Inner Peace, as one aspect of a healthy, fulfilled life and world.  Peace Pilgrim, a woman who walked penniless in the U.S. from coast to coast multiple times for 28 years, accepting food and shelter when offered, all in the name of Peace, stated that all types of Peace are important: that between nations, neighbors, that within families and especially Peace within each individual.  All types have the potential to help increase likelihood of greater Peace in the world.  You can easily find her on the internet.  Just search for Peace Pilgrim.  You can read the beautiful book, Peace Pilgrim her life and work in her own words, on the Peace Pilgrim website free of charge, or purchase it.  Peace Pilgrim was the first woman to walk the entire Appalachian Trail in one season, just before she embarked as a wanderer and walker for Peace.  

 

David Coon, a Qigong Teacher and Healer living in North Carolina, teaches entire workshops for improved health, healing others, and about how to feel more peaceful internally.  He states that Activity and Focus are both important for effective Qigong practice.  One of the most beautiful Qigong forms he teaches is called The Waterfall.  You can find him on the internet, and especially on YouTube, by searching for David J Coon and Qigong.  He even offers a free two hour workshop on Peace, that you will find well worth the time if you decide to watch and participate.  David healed himself from serious injuries decades ago using daily Qigong.  He teaches classes in person in North Carolina and also online.  David Coon has recently written a book, Qigong for Beginners Your Path to Greater Health and Vitality, which you might enjoy.

 

Jeffrey Yuen is an 88^th generation Priest of the Jade Purity School Lao Tzu Sect, and representative of other Taoist Sects as well.  He is one of the most sought-after teachers of the Art and Science of Chinese Medicine, and exemplifies Peace in his presence and daily life.  He has deep knowledge and wisdom about healing with Acupuncture, Meditation, Gems, Aromatic Oils, Herbs, and much more.  He has organized much of the Classical Chinese Medicine curriculum at the Daoist Healing Arts school in North Carolina, as well as in other schools.  Listening to him and learning from him is an unforgettable experience.  You can find more information about Jeffrey Yuen online.  Some lectures and courses may be available for a reasonable fee.  

 

What the world needs now are Love and Peace.  It so so important to work, live, and move closer to that state of balance and harmony.  

 

This blog’s offer:  if you have any questions about any of these fine people, please feel free to contact me.  If I can be of help in some way, through Hypnosis, Flower Essences, Qigong and more, all of which can help bring people into a state of increased balance and Peace, contact me by phone or email.  

 

 

                                        Blog# 143 Stay Strong With Vitamin D

 

I have decided to re-visit a blog sent out a couple of years ago, because an optimal level of Vitamin D is so important for many things, including bone strength and density and immune system health.  During winter in the more northern latitudes, there is insufficient sunlight to deliver optimal vitamin D, so especially during these colder months, diet and supplements are important sources of this vitamin.

 

Here is a copy of the previous blog.  I will also include a link to an interesting discussion about Vitamin D and continuing optimal health, especially strong resistance to infection.    

 

One of many ways to optimize immune function is through proper nutrition, including good Vitamin D levels.  Opinions vary about the best Vitamin D range, but from my research of varied medical and nutritional literature, I have concluded the best range falls between 40 and 80 ng/mL.  Some people say that it is best to have values between 80 and 100 ng/mL when working to prevent viral, or other, infections.  Levels of 30 ng/mL and below can be problematic, and should be raised by sunlight exposure, nutrient supplementation, and improved diet. 

 

Vitamin D, which is actually a hormone, can perform many functions, including supporting healthy bone density, reducing pain and inflammation, reducing rheumatoid arthritis joint pain, soothing and smoothing skin, healing gastric ulcers, and protecting against infection, especially in the winter.  Additionally, The Mayo Clinic states that long-term Vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis and that low blood levels of this vitamin are associated with cognitive decline.  Some sources have observed that Vitamin D may sometimes help reduce depression and anxiety. Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy may result in neonatal rickets, childhood asthma, and an increased tendency to develop autoimmune ailments, especially type 1 diabetes.  The mother may suffer from pre-eclampsia, which may endanger both her and the baby.  

 

The three best ways to obtain this vitamin/hormone are direct sunlight, especially in the warmer latitudes, nutritional supplementation, and whole foods.  Tanning salons are not recommended.  In the northernmost latitudes, it is necessary to obtain most of this vitamin from foods and supplements.  Eskimos consume lots of fish and animal blubber, both of which are rich in Vitamin D.  Other food sources of Vitamin D are egg yolks, fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines and anchovies, mushrooms (Vitamin D2 only) and cod liver oil (also high in Vitamin A and a broad spectrum of omega fatty acids).  Food quality is important for optimal nutrient absorption, so, if possible, choose wild caught fish, preferably from relatively clean waters, choose eggs from hens raised in optimal organic or biodynamic conditions and organically raised mushrooms.  Cod liver oil should be obtained from fish living in as pure water as possible, such as the arctic regions.  The oil should be minimally processed, if at all. Because of the relatively high levels of vitamin A to D, taking too much of this oil may cause problems for a developing fetus, so it shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.  Sun bathing and simple D supplements are preferable for pregnant women.  People taking Statins, some blood pressure medications and Warfarin or other anti-coagulants generally should avoid this oil unless they consult their PCP and adjust the medication dosage to accommodate to the effects of this oil.  For example, cod liver oil tends to lower blood pressure and also is a mild anti-coagulant.  Some popular oil brands are Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil, Carlson Wild Norwegian Cod Liver Oil and Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil.  Some popular brands of Vitamin D3 are Essential Elements D3, Life Extension Vitamin D3,  Nature Wise D3, and MegaFood Vitamin D3 for Immune and Bone Health.  

 

Parts of the world population may have problems absorbing this nutrient.  They include the elderly, the immunocompromised, darker-skinned people, those who have gastrointestinal conditions such as leaky gut, people who live in the northern latitudes, the overweight or obese, people with health issues involving liver or kidneys, people who live in areas with high air pollution, those who use sunscreen, and those with cool or cold skin.  Sometimes, taking in a combination of Vitamins D, A and omega fatty acids will help improve absorption, as will taking a good probiotic, eating fermented foods, regulating blood sugar, getting enough sleep, improving food quality, sufficient hydration, exercising regularly and learning to relax and deal with stress more effectively.  Checking the baseline blood level, making life or nutritional changes, if needed, and checking again in about six months will usually help optimize the level of this hormone.  

 

Here is a link to a fascinating, even stunning discussion regarding Vitamin D, Viral infections, and more.  There are many verifiable references to population mortality and morbidity associated with varying Vitamin D levels.  Dr. David Grimes and Dr. John Campbell from the UK discuss this vital topic.  You can cut and paste the link below to your browser, or even cut and paste it to the YouTube browser.

 

Dr. David Grimes, consultant physician gives amazing information on the importance of immunity and vitamin D.

 

This blog’s offer, feel free to contact me regarding specific recommendations about Vitamin D support in daily diet and in nutritional supplementation.

 

                  Blog# 142 A New Year’s Resolution: Living for a Cleaner World

 

Like many people probably feel, I am conflicted about living a cleaner, responsible life and having individual freedom.  It feels good to recycle materials, but since many countries where the US used to send recyclables no longer accept these materials, I wonder where much of what we recycle goes now – into US landfills? And if the trash goes to undeveloped countries across the globe, we are still one planet and one world, and pollution, especially air and water, but also land, eventually affects us all.  The nuclear reactor damage in Japan several years ago resulted in contamination of fish and seaweed, both of which Japan exports to other countries.  Canadian wildfires affected much of the US, but also other nations, since air currents travel around the globe.  Non-recyclable trash collects in waste dumps, gigantic piles or trash islands in our bodies of water.

 

Most people in developed countries, especially in the U.S. live extravagantly compared with the much of the rest of the world.  In 2002, when I traveled to Paris, I was impressed by a museum exhibit showing how much garbage individuals living in various countries produced.  The US produced more than double that of the second highest country.  France only produced one quarter the garbage that the US produced at the time.  Among the least wasteful nations were undeveloped ones, such as Bangladesh.   Today, the US, which has four percent of the world’s population, produces 12 percent of its trash.  

 

Lifestyles in the more prosperous nations result in more air and water pollution.  Mass agricultural practices deplete the earth of nutrients and contaminate air, water and soil.  War, whether it involves chemicals, biological agents, nuclear weapons, non-nuclear bombs, fires, or destruction of infrastructure, such as pipelines, delivers massive harm to the countries involved, and ultimately, to the planet.  While I am not a fan of 15 minute cities, I can understand why they could be useful and helpful in possibly reducing pollution as long as they were not used as prisons.  These types of cities are already present or developing in the about twenty nations, including the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, Denmark, France, England and the US.  A fifteen minute city is one where you usually no longer need a car, since you can bike or walk to all the businesses and facilities you need, such as schools, churches, grocery stores, doctors, hospitals, hardware stores, movie theaters, restaurants, and so on. 

 

I realize that the problems we face may appear overwhelming, and there is only so much each individual can do, but I figure if I make some changes this year, such as driving, say 50% less than last year, and buying much fewer products in packaging, that will be of some tiny help.  It’s better than doing nothing, in my opinion.  And the mrore people do this, the better the results.  On the level of individual health, it also helps to have water filters and air purifiers at home and to buy organic, wild caught, grass-fed and free-range as much as possible, if you can afford to do so.  Besides individual gardens and homesteads, farmers’ markets are usually the best sources of foods, and buying organic or biodynamic supports responsible farming methods.  With this, I wish you a happy, healthy, safe, prosperous Life for all of 2024 and beyond.  

 

This blog’s offer:  contact me for information regarding recommended air and water purifiers, and  to get a quality Chiropractic, Acupuncture, or maybe a Hypnosis session or Flower Essence therapy to start off the New Year in a strong, positive way.  Peace.

We won’t run out of key ingredients for climate action, but minin

                               Blog# 141 Magnetism Healing and Peace

 

One of my Acupuncture teachers, a Korean Taoist Grand Master, with whom I was fortunate to have studied for a few years, taught his students several ways to understand polarity and magnetism.  He most favored the following description of humans connected to the earth and each other:  supportive Earth/Universal energy almost always first enters through the sole of the left foot, moves up the leg, into the pelvic area, up the spine, and eventually, depending on activity or intention, moves outward as supportive energy from the base of the neck out through the right hand, or up the neck, to the top of the head, sometimes then moving down the front of the body.  Energy can center in the navel area and also can connect with the Earth through the right foot.  Supportive Earth/Universal energy also can enter through the left hand, move to the heart area and leave through the right hand.  Since magnetic, and indeed, all energy, can be pulled in or pushed away with the mind, mental focus and strong, stable intention are essential when administering an Acupuncture treatment.  The more clear and calm the mind is and the healthier and less blocked the body is, the more effective Acupuncture and other types of hands-on energy therapy will be.  

 

Any type of hands-on modality can qualify as healing energy therapy, if practiced with an unbiased attitude and positive intention.  So, the above magnetic principles also apply for Massage, Chiropractic, Reiki, and even therapeutic exercises, such as Strong Posture instruction.  Disciplines such as Hatha Yoga, which stretches and holds the body in a peaceful manner, gradually allowing Prana to move through the body’s energetic channels, and Qi Gong, which uses the mind to direct Qi constructively in the body and mind, also utilize the principles of polarity and magnetism.  Prana and Qi are names for basically the same thing, energy flow and life force discovered, amplified and refined over many centuries.  

 

Many readers of this blog understand the ideas of polarity and magnetism.  For those who have not actually experienced polarity and magnetism, the following simple exercise may be helpful.  Stand with spine straight, or sit with spine straight and feet on the ground.  Take some relaxed, deep breaths.  Quiet the mind.  Then rub the palms together, first slowly, then rapidly, with a light pressure.  Do this for at least ten to fifteen seconds, up to one minute.  Stop and then hold the palms facing each other, six to twelve inches apart.  Feel the tingle?  As the palms move closer together, most people feel stronger tingling, and at some point, especially when they cup their palms a little, they may feel like they are holding a ball of energy.  Usually, at some point, it may feel like it takes a little more effort to move the palms closer together.  That is the optimal distance for the right and left polarities to create the most powerful effect, both in healing practice and in establishing balance within the individual.  You may even feel a slight, comfortable expansion and contraction within the body.  And when the tongue is touched to the roof of the mouth, that same comfortable expansion/contraction may be perceptible inside the mouth.  

 

This comfortable expansion/contraction could be regarded as balance, and even as a type of inner peace, transient, but present none the less.  You might choose to feel for this centered feeling at various times during the day.  Since part of this feeling includes a quiet mind, this exercise may eventually support feelings of groundedness and peace.  And sometimes, these feelings may encourage the letting go of some attitudes that may have caused problems, such as hostility when people don’t embrace our politics, food choices, religion or artistic preferences.  That may be a tiny step to more harmony and peace within ourselves and with others.  In the current world, even a tiny bit more peace and harmony is important.

 

This blog’s offer:  contact me if you want more information regarding this exercise or if you want to experience how Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Qi Gong and other healing arts can make this Holiday Season more peaceful and healthful for you and those close to you.  

 

 

                             Blog #140 You Can Benefit from Hypnosis

 

One three day weekend in October 2023 I attended the Mid-America Hypnosis Convention, held in the Chicago area.  As always, there was a wealth of classes, presentations, and inductions from which to choose.  Since people are lightly hypnotized or experiencing self-hypnosis in many situations, the subject matter is potentially almost infinite.  I will share information about some of the lectures/classes offered this year.  You might be surprised, and might even wonder, gee, when are we NOT in at least a mild trance state?

 

There was a class on music and relaxation, using music to help with sleep, stress management, and physical relaxation.  Since volume, rhythm, pace, key, and more affect us consciously and subconsciously, and impact various body systems, endocrine glands, and energy centers, music, when skillfully used, can be extremely beneficial on many levels.  Chimes, chanting, and soft classical music were used in this session.  In the past, I have mentioned Karen Lum, who uses Tibetan Bowls, bells and other musical instruments for relaxation and healing very effectively.  I continue to recommend sessions with her to anyone who might be interested.  Email or call me for her contact information.  You can also find Karen, who is also a Yoga teacher, on the internet. 

 

A class on effective techniques and inductions to enhance sleep depth and restfulness was quite interesting.  Doing the right induction, along with common-sense life activities, such as consuming only a light dinner, several hours prior to bedtime, avoiding alcohol later on in the day, taking a hot bath, maybe with candlelight and soft music, imagining yourself in a pleasant, relaxing location, inspirational reading, giving thanks for all the day’s blessings (yes, we almost always have some blessings for which we can give thanks), special breathing exercises, and more can help us into a space of sound and restful sleep. 

 

One hypnotist, who, for decades has specialized in empowering people with cancer or other serious illness, to improve their quality of life and to often live far past the prognoses offered by their oncologists, discussed professionalism, organization, attitude and skill in helping people help themselves.  Up until 2020, this hypnotist worked with several hospitals, giving people sessions of positive hypnosis as well as instruction in self-hypnosis.  Combining support of physical, emotional and mental health was a winning combination for many people.  He also still works in his own world class practice.  I was fortunate to have him as one of my educators when I was first getting educated and certified in hypnosis.  

 

At the convention, another hypnotist used play and playful attitudes to help people relax, feel more confident, and enhance physical immunity and creative imagination.  Many people have lost the ability to just be playful and have a good time.  Playing with pets, traveling to new places, hiking in the woods, swimming in clear waters, participating in our children’s games, and even imagining playful scenarios can all support us on many levels.  And the more we cultivate joy and happiness, and the more we give them away, the more we will experience those qualities in our own lives.

 

Yet another hypnotist shared a ritual, which is meaningful to her and has meaning in at least several cultures.  Repetition of phrases, behaviors, artistic endeavors are all ritualistic, as are sacred ceremonies, such as Catholic Mass, Jewish Seder, Islamic Call to Prayer, Buddhist Meditation and Chanting, Native American Vision Quest, and Hindu Yoga practices, to name just a few.  Several of us had the opportunity to share a modern version of the ancient Mayan Cacao Ceremony, involving calming the body and mind with drumming and incense, drinking specially cultivated and blessed cacao, taking time to be meditative and receptive to positive connection with the Universe, and closing by giving thanks.  

 

There were many other workshops, all excellent.  Maybe I have stirred up some curiosity about hypnosis and self-hypnosis, or at least about that Convention.  I feel blessed to have been educated by excellent teachers for my Hypnosis Certification, and to have had many years’ experience of helping myself and others.  

 

This blog’s offer:  contact me if you are interested in learning more about hypnosis and self-hypnosis, or if you are ready to use these methods and skills to further improve your life, including in your health.

                          Blog #139 Autumn is a Time of Forgiveness

 

Autumn is a time of harvest, major changes, taking stock of what seeds have been sown and what flowers and fruit has grown.  In this season before winter, we may find ourselves growing closer to inhabitants of other worlds (maybe spirits, ancestors, teachers, doctors, muses, and any other types of beings we may accept as possibilities).  We may believe that we reap rewards or punishments for our thoughts, words and behaviors during the preceding year.  Some religions share the philosophy of karma and karmic response, such as some of the Asian religions - Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, for example.  Some western religions espouse a good or bad response from the Universe especially from God, for past behaviors.  This is true of the Christian belief about suffering we deserve but which Christ endured in our place, about burning in hell or ascending to heaven, about the Moslem belief in the Universe returning to us in the afterlife any positive or negative energies we may have put out, and the Jewish belief in prayer and atonement, especially on Yom Kippur, to help us wipe the slate clean from past transgressions, so that hopefully, in the coming year, God will be merciful.  

 

Using fear as motivation for approved, “good” behavior is not a constructive way to run a life a country or the world, in my opinion.  Thoughts and feelings of self-recrimination, guilt, anger, judgement, hatred, and other negative emotions tend to do more harm to the individual feeling them than to anyone else.  However, having the capacity to step back and observe a bigger picture in life and in the world can help individuals free themselves of fear, anger, rebellion, grief, addiction, envy, and more.  Sometimes reading inspirational literature can be a helpful step to freedom, as can gathering with positive, like-minded people.  Possibly the most powerful way to overcome negativity and to gain a greater, more courageous perspective, is to act in a positive manner. Treat others as if you see their best qualities and look for constructive motivations and actions in individuals and groups, including powerful groups, including nations.  This can be very difficult to do, and I am holding it up as a challenge to myself.  Wish me the best, and maybe try to do this yourself.  

 

This blog’s offer.  I am offering to you my best wishes for this Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer.  If you have not heard of Peace Pilgrim, consider looking up her website, reading a book about her, and especially reading “Peace Pilgrim her life and work in her own words”.