Dry body brushing with essential oils

Dry body brushing has been along for a very long time.  It is a well-known natural health practice and is practiced in many traditional cultures around the world.

Think of the Finnish sauna traditions that go back to 7000 BC.  The sauna customs of the forefathers of the Finns was written by the Nestor the Chronicler in 1112.  

He told of “hot wooden saunas in which naked bathers beat themselves with branches and finally pour cold water over themselves.”

Bathing culture has been around similarly in the European countries for thousand years.  You will find magnificent bathing houses in Turkey, Hungary, GRB and many-many countries around the world.  Sophisticated beauty routines using natural ingredients has been documented for centuries.

Flagellation (Latin flagellum, "whip"), flogging, whipping or lashing is the act of beating the human body with special implements such as whips, lashes, rods, switches, etc.  Typically, flogging is imposed on an unwilling subject as a punishment; however, it can also be submitted to willingly, or performed on oneself, in religious or sadomasochistic contexts as Wikipedia explains.

The strokes are usually aimed at the unclothed back of a person, in certain settings it can be extended to other corporeal areas.  For a moderated subform of flagellation, described as bastinado, the soles of a person's bare feet are used as a target for beating (see foot whipping). 

The purpose of these ceremonies might be different but they all share something in common.  Purifying the body and the soul.  For health reasons or for punishment, the need to initiate changes in the body and soul is the need for such actions.  To purify, detox, eliminate, remove, to get rid of things in the body and the soul that don't serve us well. 

How deep we want to go and how big change we want to induce it all depend on what result we want. 

Dry body brushing is a simple health practice that anyone can practice at home before taking a shower.  No flagellation needed to get great results!  Dry body brushing offers amazing benefits, especially when combined with essential oils! 

Benefits include:

• exfoliating, removing old, dead skin from the back and the rest of the body
• increases circulation
• reduces cellulite
• smoother younger looking skin
• improves fascia and reduces inflammation in the system that can be the cause of chronic pain, MS, fibromyalgia and different mysterious aches and pains (personal experience)
• detoxifies the lymphatic system
• energizes you and makes you feel alive
• reduces depression
• improves sleep

Using natural plants bristle brush is a must.  You don't want to scratch your skin with synthetic brush.  A brush with a long handle so you can reach your back is crucial.  Our spine is the most important as it carries the nervous system.  The Central Nervous System (CNS) controls most functions of the body and mind.  It consists of two parts: the brain and the spinal cord.  To keep your spine healthy and flexible so your CNS can operate to its best capacity is vital for good health. Stimulating it daily will assist your whole nervous system.  Especially, when we spend so much time inactive and sitting. 

Starting the day with a good refreshing dry body brushing then jumping in the shower to have a warm shower to wash off all the dead cells you brushed away gets the circulation and your Central Nervous System going.  Make sure that you finish your shower with cold water!  This is absolutely crucial for a great health routine!  Just gradually turn the hot water lower, then wait, get used to it, then turn it off more, then wait, get used to it etc.  Then you will see, standing under the cold shower is really not that big deal. 

Training your body to get used to this routine of dry brushing with a few drops of essential oil on the brush followed by warm shower followed by cold shower will become your best friend.  Especially in summer, it is sensational!  If you live with Multiple Sclerosis or chronic pain this will bring your back to life and will tremendously help you reduce your heat sensitivity. 

What oils to use on the brush?

I have tried and love many. I used doTerra oils for quality like Lemon, Wild Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Litsea, Siberian Fir, Thyme, Cypress, Coriander, Cilantro, Ginger, Peppermint, Lavender, etc, you name it I tried and all work!

My most favourites and the ones I would highly recommend, other than the one I will detail here next are these:

On Guard blend to build your immune system in seasons of cold and flue when everyone is sick around you. 

Slim & Sassy blend (Smart & Sassy in Aus) to shape up, loose weight and get more energy for the day.

Breathe (Easy Air in Aus) for allergies, sinus issues and respiratory problems or when you go to work out! It will increase your breathing capacity and help performance. 

However, when someone suggested to try Zendocrine that is a doTerra blend for detoxification and it is The Oil of Vitality and Detoxification according to the book called Emotions & Essential Oils, everything has changed.  Zendocrine has Tangerine Peel, Rosemary Leaf, Geranium Flower/Leaf, Juniper Berry, Cilantro Herb essential oils in it. 

Common Primary Uses according to Modern Essentials is for endocrine support and hormonal balance.  This blend also assists healthy tissue function.  You can diffuse this oil blend, inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or by putting a drop or two on your palm, rub your palms then cup your palms around your nose and inhale the aroma, rub, inhale, rub, inhale.  You also can massage on the bottoms of your feet neat or with a little carrier oil.

Emotionally, this blend assists during times of transition and change.  It can assist an individual in "detoxing" old habits and limiting beliefs.  When you feel trapped by self-sabotaging behaviours, Zendocrine paves the way for new life experiences.  It aids in letting go of behaviours, thought patterns and feelings that don't serve you well any more.  Zendocrine is especially helpful during major life changes which require adjustments in habit and lifestyle, such as alternating diet, quitting smoking, moving house, changing city or country or leaving a job or a bad relationship. 

Zendocrine reawakens vital life energy and helps finding new enthusiasm for life.  Makes you see life from a fresh perspective and embrace new experiences. 

Try dry body brushing with Zendocrine and watch your life change!

Essential oils are here to teach us a lesson

My doTerra essential collection is my greatest treasures.  Until I started on oils I thought that my piano was my greatest treasure and nothing ever will change that.  How wrong was I!

I have been using oils for close to two years and they have truly changed my life physically, mentally,  energetically, emotionally and spiritually.  They changed for the better.

I like to learn about them, watch the best people talk about oils and I educate people about how they can live a life closer to nature and use these lifelines of plants to bring us back to life, be more vibrant, energetic, loving and more be part of this wonderful life on Earth.

When people touch the oil bottles little they know what the expect.  They have little understanding and little respect for these oils.  They are impatient.  They shake, touch, violate these oils instead of approaching with curiosity and patience.

These oils have personalities, they have their own characters, they have their own nature and speed. They are like a child. They grow and change.  Like a little puppy, they will love you unconditionally if you let them.  They are like a beautiful flower, they will blossom when they come in contact with you.  They are like the best lover you had.

When you touch the bottle, take it in your hand and look at it's label, check the colour on the label, it has a significance what colour group the label is.  Feel the energy of the bottle in your hand and let it synchronise with your energy and frequency.  Let it warm to you. Let it entrain to your rhythm or your body to the oil's rhythm.  Feel it, smell it, touch it, look at it before you open it.

Then, let the magic happen and open the lid but still, just feel it, smell it. Do not put your finger to the spout. Do not shake and turn the bottle up side down. Get to know each other.  Like a beautiful creature that you don't want to frighten away. You just want to observe and admire in its own environment. No guns, no thumping, no shouting. Become one with its environment so you can observe long.

If you want to get to know your oil closer, tilt it to an angle with your other palm or finger being under it.  Don't be impatient, don't shake the oil so it would drop faster and don't put your finger to the spout.  Just observe how thin or thick the oil is, is it running fast or slow, is it oozing with aroma right away or it takes time to reveal itself?  Knowing your oils will help you choose the right one for the occasion.

Sometimes you need to be energised so you will select something that is fast and highly energising like Peppermint. Other times you need something that is slow, rich, thick and has immense depth and the scent will reveal itself in layers, gradually with time like Myrrh.

Using essential oils teaches so much about them, about where they come from, about the life those plans/herbs, flowers, seeds lived. They have a lesson to teach us with every drop we use, with every inhale we take.

Sometimes the oil you hate the most at first has the biggest lesson to teach you.  Sometimes the oil that we resist the most is the oil that will help us the most.  Don't be judgemental about a scent.  Be open minded like we should be with people.  Don't judge too fast.  When you get to know someone, when you hear their story, when you learn what made them who they are and get to walk in their shoes you can't hate or dislike them anymore.  There is a story behind every single person.  There is a story behind every single oil.  That's why most oil lovers have quite a great collection. It is great to have a few basic oils but just as you don't want to eat the same food every day, not even your favourite ones or you don't want to be surrounded with the same people every day, the same applies to oils.  There will be oils that you want to use every day because they work and your love them.  And there will be oils that you will rarely touch.  But when you feel the need to use them, they will take you a special journey. They will take you to a far away country, show you landscapes, animals, birds, plants, climate you have never seen. They will introduce you to people you would have never met any otherwise.  They will make you dream dreams you would have never ever had any other way. These oils will transform you as a person you would have never ever would have become.

Chakras First Aid

Originating from Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” by association with its function as a vortex of spinning energy interacting with various physiological and neurological systems in the body. Chakras are energy centres within the human energy body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to to the immune system and emotions. Chakras also store our karma. We can commonly count at least 7 chakras positioned throughout your body, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, that is depicted through a specific chakra colour, and governs specific functions that help make you, well, human. 

When your chakras are in balance, life is flowing, it's easy. When your chakras are under or over functioning, there are obvious external and internal signs that even someone just observing you can tell if they are familiar with chakra functions. 

For example, frequent constipation can indicate a blockage in the first chakra. A recurring sore throat leaves clues to a blocked Throat chakra. Frequent headaches around the area of the forehead may mean your Third Eye chakra is blocked.

Another example. When someone's Throat Chakra is under functioning, the chin is down and the collar bones collapsed. Her self-acceptance and self-knowledge is damaged. She is an introvert and find difficult to express herself. She is secretive, is hiding from the world and frequently feels shame. Instead of following her calling, she sacrifices herself for others (partner, children, family). 

The person speaks in a husky and shy voice, mostly uncomfortable speaking up in front of people and expressing herself. 

On the other hand, when a person has an overactive Throat Chakra, his chin is high and has a big ego. He likes to speak a lot, mostly without substance and about things unrelated to the discussion. He enjoys his own voice and likes to be listened to. Loves giving advice and knows it all about life and the world. He has a big ego and is an exhibitionist when it comes to communication. When he speaks he is loud and talks a lot. 

As the Throat Chakra is not only about communication but Truth too, you can expect the truth to be withheld by a person who has an under-active Throat Chakra and the truth to be bended by someone, who has an over-active Throat Chakra. 

A person with a healthy functioning Throat Chakra will have a healthy voice and uses a volume that is suitable to the audience and the circumstances, will tell the truth and when he speaks, he will only speak when asked or has something substance to contribute to the discussion. He follows his chosen path in life and fulfils his mission.

There is an invisible energy, called Prana, that circulates in our body and keeps us alive, vibrant and healthy. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned, and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy cannot flow.

Keeping a chakra open is a bit more of a challenge, but not so difficult when you have awareness. Since mind, body, soul, and spirit are intimately connected, awareness of an imbalance in one area will help bring the others back into balance. Take for example, a wife, who has recently lost her husband. She develops acute bronchitis, which remains in the chest, and then gets chest pains each time she coughs. The whole heart chakra is affected in this case. If she realises the connection between the loss and the bronchitis, healing will occur much faster if she honours the grieving process and treats that as well as the physical ailment.

The clearer and more energised your chakras are, the more clear and energised your energetic system is, the freer you can live your life in the world, the more connected you are to the Universe, the more you can live your life physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally on a wider scale. 

There are a few, very simple things you can do to keep your chakras in balance daily. 

1. Breathing deeply. There are some yoga breathing exercises called pranayamas that help to cleanse the chakras and keep them energised. 

2. Essential oils can lift your mood and balance your chakras. Different oils will influence different chakras, different organs and take your mood in a different direction. Sometime you will feel like you need a mood lift but other times you might need a calming oil or something to help you focus. They can do a lot for you!

Just in case you want to get some of these blends or other doTerra products, please visit www.doterra.com ID: 3424449, where you will have a chance to order oils or even to become a member to get products on wholesale price and build your own business if you like. 

3. Listen to chakra balancing music that is written in a special musical language and in tuning with a healing effect. This is a very powerful music, don't be fooled! It speaks to your body and to your chakras. Please don't be surprised if you feel your body tingling, notice nerve twitching, release of access electric charges or just feel nice and relax, sleep better and start breathing deeply. You can listen to this music while in bed before falling asleep, first thing in the morning or during the day while working or need a little rest. Use it as a background music for children or while they are studying. You will notice some difference if you use it regularly! You or the children might even notice some symptoms of detoxing. 

Do not underestimate how simple, little things can influence your day, your mood and your health. The body can take a lot. However, it is far too late when the body starts to show signs of physical illness and shows up on your medical tests. 

There are signs that you notice much earlier and if you pay attention, you easily can reverse these signs before they turn into bigger problems. Your chakras are not on the horizon of Western Medical Profession. That does not mean that they don't exist and you should neglect them! The more attuned you become with your chakras, the more you will notice what they do, how they respond and how to keep them happy!

Ginger - The Oil of Empowerment

Ginger
The Oil of Empowerment

Ginger holds no reservation. This oil has a purpose and will fulfil it! Ginger powerfully persuades to be fully present and participate in life. It teaches that to be successful in life, one must be wholly committed to it.

Ginger addresses deep patterns of victim mentality which is evidenced by feelings of powerlessness, believing everything is outside one’s control, refusing to take responsibility for life, or blaming life circumstances on other people or outside influences. The victim feels stuck as they decentralise or disown responsibility and blame others for their misfortunes.

Ginger empowers individuals in taking complete responsibility for their life circumstances. It infuses a warrior-like mentality based on personal integrity, centralised responsibility and individual choice. Here, the individual sees themselves as the creator of their own life. No longer waiting for outside circumstances to change, they choose their own destiny. The empowered individual assumes full responsibility and accountability for the consequences of their actions or inactions.

Negative emotions the oils helps with: victim, powerless, unwilling to take responsibility of their actions or inactions

Positive properties that the oils helps to enhance: empowered, capable, purposeful, accountable, responsible


Health benefits:
Treats upset stomach, supports digestion, healths infections, aids respiratory problems, reduces inflammation, strengthens heart health, high levels of antioxidants, natural Aphrodisiac, relieves anxiety, alleviates muscle and menstrual pain, improves liver function

Common primary uses of ginger oil: angina, club foot, diarrhoea, gas/flatulence, indigestion, low libido, morning sickness, nausea, pelvic pain syndrome, rheumatic fever/pain, rheumatoid arthritis, scurvy, vertigo, vomiting

Uses
During a long car ride, diffuse or place a drop of ginger in the palm of your hand and inhale.
Apply over lower abdomen for a soothing massage.
Use Ginger essential oil in your favourite sweet and savoury dishes.
Apply in diffuser combine with citrus oils for energising, uplifting mood
Mix 1:1 in carrier oil for massage on painful area

Historic uses

Ginger has been used as a spice for thousand years. Chinese health tonics have used ginger to strengthen heart and relieve head congestion. The Greeks have been using ginger to make gingerbread for more than 4,000 years! The Egyptian cuisine used ginger to ward off epidemics. Inn Roman wine ginger is used to enhance Aphrodisiac properties. It was also used by Hawaiians to cure digestion, to cook with  and to scent clothing. They also added to shampoo and massage oils. 

Ginger blends well with citrus oils, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium and rosemary. 

To get your Certified Therapeutic Grade doTerra essential oils please visit www.doterra.com ID:3424449. 

Lime - The Oil of Zest for Life

Lime
The Oil of Zest for Life

Lime imbues the soul with zest for life. When an individual has been weighed down by discouragement or grief, Lime elevates them above the mire. It instills courage and cheer in the heart and reminds them to be grateful for the gift of life.

Lime cleanses the heart, especially when there has been an accumulation of emotional toxins due to avoidance or repression. The oil revitalises the heart space, giving room for light and joy. It clears discouragement and thoughts and feelings related to a loss of will to live. Lime shines light on inner motives hidden in the heart and encourages emotional honesty.

Lime can also assist the individual who has overly developed their intellectual capacities but has neglected to develop themselves emotionally. This oil encourages balance between the heart and mind. It clears congestion from the heart region, assisting one in feeling safe and at home in their heart. Lime dispels apathy and resignation and installs hope, joy, courage, and the determination to face all of life’s challenges.

The oil helps with the following negative emotions: Apathy, resignation, grief, loss of will to live, discouragement

Encourages the following positive emotions: Courage, emotionally safe, engaged, revitalised, grateful for the gift of life, determined.

Benefits of the oil: Bacterial infections, fever, skin revitalising, stress relief, Lymphatic cleansing, sore throat, mood enhancer, cellulite, increased energy, gallstones, strengthen nails. Gum/grease removal.

Lime is the perfect oil to purify air, skin and surfaces. The oil supports healthy immune function. Positively affecting mood with stimulating and refreshing properties. Used as an aromatic, topical and internal cleanser (always use Certified Therapeutic Grade oil for internal purposes and follow instructions on label!). 

Limes are frequently used in beverages, entrees for their fresh, citrus flavour. 

I frequently add a drop or two to my oats - chia seed porridge, in my drinking water and in my baking!

Lime provides internal cleansing benefits and can be diffused to help purify the air. It’s also an effective and natural surface cleaner. Lime is known for its ability to uplift, balance, and energise. Lime is frequently used in facial and body cleansers for its purifying properties and uplifting scent.

Uses
Diffuse to cleanse the air and lift your mood.
Put some Lime on a cotton pad and use to help remove grease spots and sticker residue.
Add a drop of Lime to your drinking water for enhanced flavor.
Add 1 drop to your facial cleanser or shampoo for added cleansing properties.

To get your Certified Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil please visit www.doterra.com ID: 3424449

Kefir, the living food

Kefir is a living relationship, a symbiosis, of a number of bacteria and yeast which form grains or cauliflower-like structures.

These living organisms ferment milk into the living food, Kefir. The Kefir drink is lactic acid - alcoholic fermented milk.

Kefir grains are a biological production centre. Living foods like Kefir help to detoxify, support and balance digestion, and help in building up the immune system. to counteract negative influences.

During the fermentation process the Kefir grains change normal milk into Kefir beverage. Lactic acid, ethanol, acetic acid, carbon dioxide and other compounds are produced as well as vitamins.

The delicious microbiological living food Kefir can be very helpful in regenerating the bowel flora and works in this way, in many cases like a wonder.


How to make Kefir

What you will need:

• Kefir grains
• Milk - organic or normal (goat milk, coconut or almond milk can also be used with milk grains)
• Plastic (non-metallic) sieve/strainer
• 2 or 3 glass jars with lids (each jar should be about 500ml in size)

Instructions:

With 1 tablespoon of kefir grains add 250ml of milk to the kefir grans (or 1 teaspoon of kefir grans to 125ml of milk). The milk should be at room temperature (kefir grains prefer room temperature 20-27C).

Place the lid on your jar, keep it a little loose so that the kefir doesn't carbonate as much. Jars should be kept at least 2 cups (500ml in size) so that you have enough room for expansion of the kefir grains. 

Leave your kefir stand for 24hours or until the kefir thickens to your liking. The longer  you keep the kefir in the jar for the first ferment, the more sour your kefir will be. The jar should be kept at room temperature but not in direct sunlight. 

Once your kefir has shown signs of separation (you may see pockets of whey) or thickening, your kefir is ready.

Strain your kefir through a plastic sieve/strainer into a bowl, you may gently use a wooden or plastic spoon to help all the liquid go through the sieve, but be careful not to squash your grains while doing this. 

Place the grains into a clean jar and commence the process again. 

You can drink the kefir straight away or keep it in the fridge.

Please note at this stage you can add things to flavour your kefir like, vanilla, honey, cocoa, berries, apple, dates, lemon, orange peel, peppermint, garlic, ginger, or whatever you like! This is when the fun starts! Low sugar fruits are better as they will cause less carbonation from the lower sugar levels. 

Second fermentation:

If you wish to perform a second fermentation, you can leave your kefir on the counter for another 24 hours (without the grains). A second fermentation will give you a kefir lighter and creamier in texture. The second fermentation process also creates more B vitamins and probiotics. 

You also can second ferment adding flavours as mentioned above. Adding orange peel, ginger or anything you like will enhance flavours. You can leave the kefir with the additional fruit for a 4-12-hour period then store it in the fridge. 

To avoid damaging your grains, never add to freshly cleaned hot jar. To avoid this, always add the milk first to the jar before adding the kefir grains. Remember, room temperature milk is always kinder to the grains. 

If you don't wish to continue fermentation regularly, you will need to keep your grains in the milk in the fridge to keep them alive. You will need to change this milk every few days. Sometimes after the grains have bene kept in the fridge, it will take a few ferments for your kefir to be strong as it takes a little while for your kefir grains to wake up and adapt to the new environment. 

Once your kefir grains grow, keep adding more milk as they will ferment quicker. As a general rule, one tablespoon of grains for one cup of milk, (or 1 teaspoon for 1/2 cup of milk.) You always can give the extra grains to family and friend.

Finally, I hope you enjoy your kefir and all the health benefits that it brings to you and your family.