» Listings for 2009

1. Low risk, High tech options!

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 7th Oct 2009

   Part of a truly holistic lifestyle, is reducing the toxins in our environment.  We all know about pesticides on our foods, chemicals in our cleaning materials and toxins in our toiletries, but what about some of the invisible threats we now live with on a day-to-day basis?

   Following on from a talk by Joanna Hill of the Gerson Therapy Support Group, I have put together some information regarding accessing high speed broadband in the home, without the use of wireless waves which have been the subject of controversy since their inception. There have been studies indicating a strong association between wireless networks and increased numbers of people with brain tumours. 

   For internet access via the power line :
   You need one network adapter kit (Joanne uses a Netgear Powerline HDXB101) which contains two Powerline units, the first of which you connect to your access point or router, and also plug it into the mains.  Thereafter, the mains becomes your network (an Ethernet high speed connection up to 200 mbps): you can then attach up to 16 further units, one per pc etc.  I have had a look around, and the basic unit costs around £150 (available on Amazon, amongst others). 

   We also touched on how to protect ourselves from the microwaves emitted by mobile phones.  Before you read on, I have found a few statements (see www.mercola.com) which should make us at least question whether mobile phones are as safe as they might be.

   Did you know for instance that  a mobile phone call lasting just 2 minutes can alter the natural electrical activity of a child's brain for an hour?

   Or that when you use a cell phone 70 percent of the energy emitted from the antenna is absorbed into your head?

   Japan has banned cell phone use on trains to cut down on 'second hand radiation'.

   
   The mobile telephone headset which reduces exposure to microwaves is called an air tube and the Blue Tube version is recommended by Dr Mercola.  There appear to be quite a few variations on the market, but the RF3 is quite widely available and retails around £28-£35. “This technology utilizes a state-of-the-art SPL enhanced sound chamber which delivers a crystal clear sound through an air-filled wireless tube (similar to a doctor's stethoscope). By replacing the wire with AirCom Technology, the RF3 Cellular Headset reduces the possibility of radiation from reaching your head.”

   It’s good to know that there is a low  risk, high tech option available, should we choose to take it.

    

2. Ask yourself "Am I a Holistic Person?"

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 10th Sep 2009

   Since starting the Healing Tree Network, I have repeatedly been asked to explain what I mean by "Holistic". Holistic (or wholistic) should in itself give you a clue. As someone living a Holistic Lifestyle we are aiming to be complete.  As I often explain  to my clients, tackling one aspect of your life and ignoring the rest can only lead to imbalance. You may choose to enlist the help of Holistic practitioners along the way, but there is a lot you can do all by yourself.

    

   So, the starting point is inside.  Not physically, but spiritually and emotionally are you whole?  Sounds a bit strange, perhaps a bit airy fairy? Actually your emotions effect every other aspect of your being. I'm not talking about being ecstatically happy, but simply being comfortable with who you are. Do you allow yourself to express your emotions or do you bottle them up?  Do you carry emotional scars which still have an effect on your daily life. This is the starting point for wholeness. 

    

   Are you secure in your own spiritual direction? (Not religion, that's a different thing).  Are there things in life which call you and make you feel wonderful - a walk in the woods; playing with your children; listening to bird song; dancing; listening to your choice of music - things which are spiritually nourishing? And do you allow yourself time to do these things? No? Well you know what the next step on the path is! 

    

   Whilst working on our emotional and spiritual well-being, we could start looking at what goes into our bodies.  This isn't a lesson on good nutrition, but by following a few simple rules, we start to bring our bodies into the holistic state.  Good food, not too much of the things we all know we should avoid - saturated fat, salt, sugar.... you know the beasties!  Increase fresh vegetables and fruit; eat meat and fish from humane and sustainable sources if you choose to; increase pulses and seeds; eat local and seasonal.  If you choose to eat and drink 'naughty' things which nutritionists discourage, do it in moderation and try to have a little of the best rather than a whole bucket of rubbish! And drink enough water!

    

   Look after your body! Whatever shape it's in - it is all yours! Treat it kindly beacuse it has to last a whole lifetime. Exercise it, but try doing something you enjoy. (If you were put of all exercise and sports at school try something new.)  Your skin is effectively your largest organ so use gentle products which aren't full of chemicals.  Maybe try dry skin brushing to get rid of the layer of dead cells, add natural (dilluted) oils to your bathing water, and moisturise using a tiny spot of pure coconut oil. Protect it from too much direct sunlight, without keeping it shut  away from the fresh air. Wear clothes that make you feel good.  Being holistic extends beyond what's going on inside!

    

   Then there's your environment.  Do you feel safe and secure? If not, what are you going to do about it? Are you surrounded by nurturing, supportive people and offering that same support to those around you? Are you happy in your work?  Sometimes we can't avoid being in places with people we don't really want to be with, or in jobs we'd prefer to leave, but what can you do to improve this environment?  Again, try looking for a reduction in chemicals that you use to keep your surroundings clean.

    

   You may need help and advice along the way, so don't be afraid to ask.  There are hundreds of different Holistic Practices and products  to explore.  If you don't know where to start  when looking for help, contact me (in confidence if you prefer) and I will try to point you in the right direction. 

    

   Ultimately, I don't think Holistic is in any way alternative and it certainly  isn't about being not pure or holy! It is simply being and feeling the best you can, and learning to love yourself and all around you!

    

3. Animals and healing

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 19th Aug 2009

   It is always interesting to observe the reactions of animals when they initially encounter somebody offering them healing.  I always try to give them time to make a conscious decision to allow me to place my hands on or near them.

    

   Different creatures react in entirely different ways. 

    

   There was the fallen bat who gently, over a period of about 15 minutes went from clinging to the side of a box with tightly folded wings to hanging by one foot with wings wide open.

    

   Then there was the cat, who over a period of weeks went from receiving distance healing along the length of a staircase, to sitting right next to me and allowing my hands to be within a centimetre of him- avoiding eye contact at all costs!

    

   A long term client - a normally quiet black labrador, would stand by the front door howling to announce my arrival, allow me enough time to get in and sit down, and would then position herself- bottom firmly against my lap, ready for my hands on her hips.

    

   Then there was the beautiful old bird who would drop her head lower and lower as I beamed healing energy to her, until her head flopped into her water or she fell off her perch!  Interestingly, she was the one client who would just walk away when she felt she'd had enough.

    

   Today I worked on a young bulldog who was built like a tank! What he desired most at first meeting was to climb onto my lap, then take me for a walk, have a drink, climb on my lap, suck my shirt - anything - so long as I didn't expect him to be still!  He was moving so constantly, that even beaming energy towards him was a challenge! Once the penny dropped though - this manic youngster flopped against me, adjusted his position so my hands were precisely where he needed treatment, and was still. 

    

   To feel healing energy flowing from your hands into another creature is a truly awsome thing, and something that anyone can do with a little guidance.  

4. A bit of R & R!

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 30th Jul 2009

   It had to happen!  Keep pushing a body and eventually it will push back. Yes folks, I am having a day off to nurse my sore throat, and thought I'd share a reflection with you. 

    

   Every now and again we all get a text or Email from someone which goes something like -

    

    " Had a tough day. Need rest. Taking rest. Blowing you out!"

    

   Our own agenda nearly always kicks in and we feel let down, mildly miffed, sometimes thoroughly cheesed off.  Don't we suspect that they may have had a better offer?  Perhaps we think they should have a bit more stamina?

    

   Well, maybe we should be filled with respect and admiration for those people who are strong and holistic enough to take notice of the warnings their bodies are sending them.  The body tends to send messages for a reason, and will revolt if we are so absorbed in our day-to-day toils that we don't take notice and act accordingly. 

5. Holistic First Aid Kit part 2

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 25th Jun 2009

    

    

   We all know that prevention is better than cure, so pack a few essentials to keep tummy bugs at bay wherever you are.  Water free antiseptic handwash and pack of wet wipes save you from having to use unsanitary washrooms, (remember how many other people are using public facilities!)  Use Citracidal to wash fruit and veg when abroad or at home. It not only kills any germs, but also helps remove residues from crop spraying.  Garlic capsules (or just lots of garlic in food) keeps mossies at bay. A sunhat, sarong and sunglasses will prevent you from getting too much sun.  Burn white sage in a burner or on the BBQ to keep insects away). Citronella oil, peppermint oil, tea tree (few drops in a base oil) dabbed on pulse points will help keep all manner of creepy crawly biting things away! Plenty of water, water, water; especially if in a hot climate.

    

   First aid:

   Homeopathic; Nux Vomica 30c for travel sickness or hangovers. Apis 30c for jellyfish or wasp stings, Arnica 30c before, during and after flight helps deal with jetlag and can reduce the incidence of DVT.

   Aromotherapy;  Lavender, (use on any external problem including burns undiluted or add 5 drops to a drop of milk and add to bath water for a relaxing soak. Tea tree (again externally undiluted as an antiseptic, or put a couple of drops in a cup of water as a mouth wash. Small bottle of witchhazel with 5 drops each of tea tree and lavender pure essential oils. Use on bites, stings, scratches and spots.  Peppermint (always use diluted, in a carrier oil or cream) to freshen feet and lower body temperature. (These oils will counteract the  effects of homeopathic remedies, so don’t use both at the same time.)

   Herbal: Slippery elm powder/capsules: for any digestive inflammation, acidity, indigestion, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea or constipation. Can also be used as a 'drawing' poultice to help relieve boils or remove splinters.  Chamomile tea - very calming for most digestive problems such as IBS, indigestion, colic, bloating, acidity.  It is antispasmodic and can help ease period pain.  A relaxing herb also useful for insomnia or hyperactive and restless children. Chamomile is contra-indicated where there are allergies to the daisy family.  Ginger in various forms for travel sickness.

   Aloe vera gelly to treat just about any skin problems – scratches, scrapes, spots, rashes, sunburn... Rescue remedy handbag spray.  Arnica cream for bumps and bruises.

    

   Then the final Holistic touches to help you relax and unwind.

   Inspirational books (we recommend 'the Essence of Womanhood' by Susie Heath or anything by Paulo Coelho; perhaps a guided meditation CD; and a delicious Bottle of local vino (anti-oxidants of course!)