Follow your dreams! Never too late!

Here is the end of 2010 soon. Want or not, like it or not, we all look back and evaluate the year. Was it a success or could have been better? I would like to summarize the year with an example. This year, amongst all my students, somehow I attracted two mature aged students, both 62. None of them was in the privileged situation of studying music at school for different reasons. However, it was time to to face a new challenge and fulfill the dream. I was the lucky person whom they turned to and trusted with the precious task of introducing them to music and prove that they are absolutely capable of making beautiful music.

There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than seeing these otherwise successful people tackling the tasks lesson after lesson. Their commitment to coming to weekly lessons, practicing and  overcoming the temporary frustration of learning is hugely admirable.  The end result? Is like climbing Kilimanjaro and looking at the magnificent view. Glory!

A musical cat

It is hard to have a piano lesson when the cat sits on your lap but Donna managed really well!

Piano Tuner

Donna's Burmese cat shows special interest in the piano's strings. Maybe interested in tuning pianos!

A Long Life? Get grip!

Having a firm handshake may do more than seal business deals, according to a study that shows people with greater grip strength live longer.
Grip strength, the speed at which we walk or rise from a chair and our ability to balance all may be indicators of how long we might live, according to a study by scientists at the Medical Research Council, a publicly funded organization dedicated to improving human health.
Scientists at the MRC unit for lifelong health and ageing analyzed findings from 33 studies worldwide, including more than 50,000 people  followed for up to 43 years. The results were published yesterday in the Medical Journal.
Volunteers with a firmer handgrip and better performance on other tests lived longer than weaker people, according to Rachel Cooper, who led the analysis.
Evaluating the strength of a handshake or a person's walking speed may aid health assessment and guide healthcare decisions, researchers said.
Dr Cooper said: "Simple non-invasive assessment measures like these, that are linked to current and future health, could help doctors identify those most vulnerable to poor health in later life and who may benefit from early intervention to keep them active for longer."
The link between handgrip strength and survival was visible in younger as well as in older adults.

Love is like Butterfly

I was told today that LOVE is like Butterfly.
You can chase a butterfly all over the field and never catch it.
But if you sit quietly in the grass it will come and sit on your shoulder. 

Author unknown

The Mozart Effect

A recent report now says that the Mozart effect is yet another charming urban legend. The bad news for hip urban professionals: playing Mozart for your designer baby will not improve his IQ or help him get into that exclusive pre-school. He will just have to get admitted to Harvard some other way. Of course, we're all better off listening to Mozart purely for the pleasure of it. However, one must wonder whether, if playing Mozart sonatas for little Tiffany or Jason really could boost his or her intelligence, what would happen if other composers were played during the kiddies' developmental time

LISZT EFFECT: Child speaks rapidly and extravagantly, but never really says anything important.

BRUCKNER EFFECT: Child speaks v-e-r-y slowly and repeats himself frequently and at length. Gains reputation for profundity.

WAGNER EFFECT: Child becomes an egocentric megalomaniac. May eventually marry his sister.

PUCCINI EFFECT: Child is prone to murderous fits of jealousy if another child plays with his/her toys. Child also suffers never-ending bout of croup and insists it's nothing.

VERDI EFFECT: Child marches around his room repeatedly, lines up all of his stuffed animals in a parade, pays particular homage to his stuffed elephants.

MAHLER EFFECT: Child continually screams (at great length and volume) that he's dying.

SCHOENBERG EFFECT: Child never repeats a word until he's used all the other words in his vocabulary. Sometimes talks backwards. Eventually, people stop listening to him. Child blames them for their inability to understand him.

IVES EFFECT: The child develops a remarkable ability to carry on several separate conversations at once, in various dialects.

GLASS EFFECT: The child tends to repeat himself over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.

STRAVINSKY EFFECT: The child is prone to savage, guttural and profane outbursts that often lead to fighting and pandemonium in the preschool.

BRAHMS EFFECT: The child is able to speak beautifully as long as his sentences contain a multiple of three words (3, 6, 9, 12, etc). However, his sentences containing 4 or 8 words are strangely uninspired.

CAGE EFFECT: Child says nothing for 4 minutes, 33 seconds--exactly. A recent study has determined that this is preferred by 10 out of 10 classroom teachers.

(Submitted by Doctor Joan)

The Lost Art of Sleep

Don't sleep 'till you read  The Lost Art of Sleep by Michael McGirr. 
Published by Picador Australia, $32.99


A former priest, discovered the beauty of sleep with the arrival of his baby twins, when he and his wife seemed to experience little of it. Inspired by his sleeplessness, McGirr travelled through history, science and the mythical to discover the benefits and dangers of sleep. Expect to come across some of the most famous figures of history - such as Aristotle, Thomas Edison and Florence Nightingale - and discover their connection to the art of slumber. You will also find out the medical theories for sleeping and dreaming, and why we need it so dearly. A fantastic read. 


Find a copy on http://www.fishpond.com.au

How to get what you REALLY want?

What do you really want? Those who have purpose, who are clearly pursuing a goal, are much better off. Their energy flows better and they radiate intentionality. They don't need others to make them happy. They ARE happy. 

It is my belief the true self within each of us always knows what we want. The 'inner knower' knows what is our highest good and our true direction. The problem is that our surface personality can be out of touch with it. We can be easily influenced by others, and if they are getting something, we automatically want it. Our minds can latch on to superficial desires that really don't come from OUR essence. 
How can we know when we are out of touch with what our TRUE self wants? There is a foolproof litmus test. When our Ego self wants something that our TRUE self does not, it will make us feel terrible. We will feel stress, frustration and anxiety. These are signs we are not in touch with what we really want. We have to go deeper. 
Spiritually considered, an idea cannot be fully grasped unless you take it into your meditation. You need to go inside the idea and explore the feelings that it arouses, as well as the thoughts. 
So, our first task is to contemplate: "What do I really want?" Sit down, close your eyes, focus on an area of your life: career, relationship, body, health. Think about each area one by one and ask yourself, "what do I really want in...." Spend 5-7 minutes doing so, then go on with your normal meditation practice. Search for an answer that gives you an energized and harmonious feeling. 
I have mastered 'going deep' through music at an early stage. I can make hard decisions very quickly and without regret because I have developed an understanding of my body and feeling responses that are perfectly reliable in every situation. It becomes an instinct. 
Like in everything, practice makes the master. Start with simple things like: What should I have for dinner? Which street is there going to be a parking spot? Shall I get the red or green apples? How do I feel about this person? Listen to your body. Listen to it carefully because your body always has an answer  and you better start listening to it and follow what it says. It sounds silly but it gives us a chance to slowly allow our inner voice to come through. If you keep practicing soon your whole life will be guided by the most reliable and most positive forces of life, the Universe. Call it whatever you like! The consequence is that you will never make a wrong decision that would regret. It leads to a happier life. You will have the guidance of your TRUE  inner self that is connected to the Universe and to all Humanity. Remember, we are all connected. We are all ONE. 

The Mysterious Pineal Gland

The size of a pea, the pineal gland lies immediately beneath the hypothalamus in a tiny cave at the centre of the brain. It holds the key to sustained health, mood, energy and self-esteem.
The ancient Greeks believed it connected us to the Realms of Thought, while the French philosopher Descartes referred to it as "the seat of the human soul".

On a physiological level, the pineal gland is activated by light and works in harmony with the hypothalamus, directing the body's thirst, hunger, sexual desire and biological clock, which determines how we age. As a famous psychic Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) once said : "Keep the pineal gland operating and you won't grow old - you will always be young".
Producing the hormone melatonin, a brain chemical that regulates sleep and wake rhythms, the pineal gland controls sleep-wake rhythms, signals the reproductive system to set a child's birth in motion and moderates the states of euphoria and depression. When the pineal is stimulated and functioning optimally, it helps us to sleep and relax. It also improves the immune system, evokes a natural state of euphoria and higher states of intellect (possibly even psychic visions), and helps alleviate depression and the aging process.

GAZING AWAY - Tratak meditation also known as candle gazing can stimulate the pineal gland and help produce  higher levels of melatonin. As a daily practice, light a candle and use the candle flame to focus the eyes.

Along with the hypothalamus, the pineal gland forms part of the brain's communication centre, which includes visual, auditory, speech and learning functions. Imbalanced function can lead to dyslexia, stuttering, forgetfulness and inability to think clearly.

HOW TO IMPROVE THE FUNCTIONING OF YOUR PINEAL GLAND?
* Stress management techniques such as meditation and relaxation
* Daily doses of natural light
* Massaging pressure point in feet - pad area of the big toes
* Massaging the pressure point in hands - pad area of thumbs
* Sleeping in complete darkness so your body produces more melatonin
* Avoiding melatonin reducing substances such as caffeine, tobacco and alcohol
* Take regular breaks from computer, television and artificial lighting
* Eat foods high in potassium such as brown rice, avocado, broccoli and banana
* Consuming foods high in melatonin or the melatonin precursor trytophan, such as oats, sweet corn, rice, ginger, tomatoes, barley, japanese radish, spirulina, soy, cottage cheese, pepitas, almonds almonds and peanuts.

PRACTICE ALTERNATE NOSTRIL YOGA BREATHING
Alternate nostril breathing is a simple technique for balancing the pineal. Use the thumb on your right hand to close your right nostril as you breathe in through your left nostril. Then, use your ring finger  on your right hand to close your left nostril as you breathe out through the open right nostril. Breathe in through the right nostril and out through the left. Breathe in through the left and through the right.
Left nostril for calming, right nostril for energy!
Benefits: revitalises you, improves brain function, cleanses your lungs, calms an agitated mind, encourages a calmer emotional state, improves sleep, great preparation for meditation, soothes your nervous system, regulates the cooling and warming cycles of your body, clears and boosts energy channels, enhances rest and relaxation.
Keep breathing for good health!

ACTIVATE THE PINEAL GLAND WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
Another, simple way to activate the pineal gland is by inhaling essential oils. Pineal gland is one of the stops that essential oils pass trough and influence when we inhale essential oils. Each oil has lots of components. The more components an oils has, the more work it can do in many areas of your body. Alternating what oils you use, will have tremendous benefits for your body. Using blends in your diffuser or inhaling a blend straight from the bottle or your hands will stimulate many organs of your body. There are certain oils that specifically very beneficial for the endocrine system of which the pineal gland is part of.

The pineal gland is a tiny gland located close to the centre of the brain. It is responsible for the hormone melatonin that regulates the sleep/wake cycle. The pineal gland also serves to regulate blood pressure, sexual development, growth, body temperature and motor function.
Frankincense, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ginger and Cedarwood essential oils are extremely beneficial for the pineal gland and our endocrine system. 

Quinoa - The Inca Gold

I LOVE QUINOA.

Instead of going on about the nutritional benefits of quinoa (which you will read later) I'll throw out a few words/phrases that come to mind: Seed not grain. Cute curlicue. Grain-like. Ancient. Pretty colors. Underutilized. Superfood. Quick cooking. Incan gold. Complete protein. Whole. Rinse and cook. Tiny. Fluffy, yet crunchy. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Are you curious yet?

Quinoa has been cultivated in South American Andes since at least 3,000 B.C. and has been a staple food of millions of native inhabitants. The ancient Incas called quinoa the "mother grain" and revered it as sacred.

The quinoa seed is high in protein, calcium and iron, a relatively good source of vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. It contains an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans. It is exceptionally high in lysine, cystine and methionine-amino acids typically low in other grains. It is a good complement for legumes, which are often low in methionine and cystine. The protein in quinoa is considered to be a complete protein due to the presence of all 8 essential amino acids. Some types of wheat come close to matching quinoa's protein content, but grains such as barley, corn, and rice generally have less than half the protein of quinoa. Quinoa is 12% to 18% protein and four ounces a day, about 1/2-cup, will provide a childs protein needs for one day. The 6-7% fat of quinoa is relatively high when compared to other grains, but it boasts a low sodium content and also provides valuable starch and fiber. Quinoa also contains albumen, a protein that is found in egg whites, blood serum, and many plant and animal tissues. The seeds are gluten-free which makes this a nutritious and flavorful alternative grain for those with gluten sensitivity. Quinoa would be a worthy addition to anyone's diet, supplying variety as well as good nutrition.

Eating a serving of whole grains, such as Quinoa, at least 6 times each week is an especially good idea for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease. A 3-year prospective study of 229 postmenopausal women with cardiovascular disease, published in the July 2005 issue of the American Heart Journal, shows that those eating at least 6 servings of whole grains each week experienced: Slowed progression of atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque that narrows the vessels through which blood flows. Less progression in stenosis, the narrowing of the diameter of arterial passageways.

Cooked quinoa is excellent in hot casseroles and soups, stews, in stir-fries, or cold in salads. The seeds cook very quickly, in only 15 minutes. Uncooked seeds may be added to soups and stews as you would barley or rice and quinoa is often substituted for rice in rice dishes. Dry roasting quinoa in a pan or in the oven, before cooking will give a toasted flavor, and it can be cooked in fruit juice to add character to the flavor for use as a breakfast cereal or in desserts. Cold salads consisting of quinoa and chopped vegetables or cooked beans make a quick, easy, and nutritious dish. Quinoa flour is used in making pasta and a variety of baked goods such as pancakes, bread, muffins, and crackers. Quinoa seeds can be sprouted and eaten as raw, live food for snacks or in salads and sandwiches. To sprout the seeds, soak about 1/3 cup seeds in a jar for 2 to 4 hours, then drain and rinse the seeds twice a day for 2 to 4 days. When the sprouts are about 1 inch long, place them near a window for chlorophyll to develop, which will give them a vibrant green color. Another fascinating way of using quinoa is to "pop" the seeds in a dry skillet and eat them as a dry cereal.

Due to the relatively high oil and fat content of quinoa, the grains and flour should be stored in glass jars in the refrigerator. Use the grains within a year and flour within 3 months.

Quinoa is an Alkaline food and not acidic. Most people eat too many acid foods, which lead to health problems, it is important to eat Alkalizing foods to have a proper balance. Submitted by Marcel Ikelaar of the Netherlands

4 more reasons to enjoy the benefits of quinoa:

1. It’s a VEGETARIAN solution, a balanced-amino-acid source of high quality protein.

2. It’s a SENIOR solution, a high-iron food that raises the hematocrit, delivers more oxygen to the brain, fights senility.

3. It’s a DIABETIC solution, a very low-glycemic-index cereal type food.

4. It’s a TASTE SOLUTION, quite delicious. I used it in a purple cabbage & romaine & onion salad, with a stalk of chopped celery & celery leaves, salt & pepper and a pinch of cumin, with ranch dressing. By the way, it MUST be purple cabbage rather than green.

Before cooking, the seeds must be rinsed to remove their bitter resin-like coating, which is called saponin. Quinoa is rinsed before it is packaged and sold, but it is best to rinse again at home before use to remove any of the powdery residue that may remain on the seeds. The presence of saponin is obvious by the production of a soapy looking "suds" when the seeds are swished in water. Placing quinoa in a strainer and rinsing thoroughly with water easily washes the saponin from the seeds. In South America the saponin which is removed from the quinoa is used as detergent for washing clothes and as an antiseptic to promote healing of skin injuries.

Quinoa Salad Recipe with Lime + Fresh Mint *****

This cool summer salad (which just so happens to be vegan and naturally gluten-free) reminds me of tabbouleh- a Middle Eastern style pasta dish I used to love. What makes a quinoa salad taste so fabulous? Fresh mint, lime juice and good tasting extra virgin olive oil.

1 cup dry quinoa

2 tablespoons fruity extra virgin olive oil

Juice from 2 limes

2-3 fresh mint sprigs, leaves removed and chopped

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves or parsley

Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

A handful of sweet and ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered

2 tablespoons diced red onion- or use 2 chopped scallions

1 garlic clove, minced

First, rinse your quinoa in a sieve (it's tiny so the usual colander might not do). Cook the quinoa as you would raw rice: in 2 and 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups fresh salted water, covered, until all of the water is absorbed.

I use my rice cooker to do this. The quinoa turns out fluffy, tender and perfect. Scoop the cooked quinoa into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients, tossing lightly with a fork until combined.

Taste test and adjust seasonings. Cover and chill- the longer, the better. In fact, I think this salad tastes better the second day- so plan ahead and make it the day before.

Makes 4-6 servings.

http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2008/08/lime-quinoa-salad-with-mint.html#ixzz0fCFZutZ4

Toasted Quinoa Salad

3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

1 cup diced carrots

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup minced parsley or cilantro

2 sliced green onions

juice of 1 lemon and 1 lime (or 1 - 2 tablespoons of each)

1-1/2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce

2 cloves minced or pressed garlic 
1 teaspoon chili sauce (tobasco) (or use a pinch of cayenne, a few red pepper flakes, etc.)

Rinse quinoa and drain. Put in a pot and dry toast until a few grains begin to pop. Add 1-1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

Mix carrot, red pepper, parsley and green onion in large bowl. Add cold quinoa and toss to combine, Whisk together lemon and lime juices, tamari, garlic and chili sauce. Pour over salad and combine well. Chill until serving time.

This recipe can be fun. Try throwing in a few fresh raw peas, some fresh raw corn, fresh sliced raw green beans, etc.

Walnut Rosemary Quinoa

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 small onion

1-1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed in boiling water and drained

1 small red bell pepper, diced

3 cups water

1 tablespoon Tamari soy sauce (or to taste)

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried

1 cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed if frozen

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat oven to 350. Heat oil in a medium saucepan; add onion and quinoa. Sauté over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. Add red bell pepper and sauté an additional 2 minutes. Add water, soy sauce, rosemary and peas (if using fresh peas).

Bring to a boil and cover; simmer 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Meanwhile, roast walnuts in 350 oven for 5 to 10 minutes. When quinoa is cooked, turn off heat and mix in walnuts and frozen peas (if using frozen peas). Let sit an additional 10 minutes and serve.

Lemon-scented Quinoa Salad Recipe

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water

1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

1 can garbanzo beans, or dried equivalent

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

Tahini Dressing:

1 garlic clove, smashed and chopped

1/4 cup tahini

Zest of one lemon scant

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons hot water scant

1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt

Rinse the quinoa in a fine-meshed strainer. In a medium saucepan heat the quinoa and water until boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until water is absorbed and quinoa fluffs up, about 15 minutes. Quinoa is done when you can see the curlique in each grain, and it is tender with a bit of pop to each bite. Drain any extra water and set aside.

While the quinoa is cooking make the dressing. Whisk together the garlic, tahini, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil. Add the hot water to thin a bit and then the salt.

Toss the cooked quinoa, beans, cilantro, red onion, and half of the dressing. Add more dressing if you like and season with more salt to taste. Serve garnished with a bit of cilantro.

Serves 4.

Aloe Vera Juice

How did a Jamaican man figure out the benefits of Aloe Juice? Seeing him on previous videos - by experience! His body is as lean as one can be and the guy is terribly switched on! He sells Aloe Juice shake in his Jamaican Restaurant. He offers cards to get Aloe Juice shakes at least 3 times a week to enjoy great health benefits. Check out the website of his shop and his menu! http://www.aloeveraforhealth.com/about_us.htm

There is a great video you can watch on Cepha talking to a customer about the benefits of drinking Aloe Juice daily! Check it out! http://www.kiraku.tv/category/6187/movie/1/tQbxsvfT87A

Herbalife has the greatest quality Aloe Concentrate, Aloe Gel and Aloe Vera Body Lotion to enjoy the benefits of good health and glowing skin. You can order online: http://www.herbabodyshop.com/2/index.php

The message from Water

Have you ever wondered about water? The human body is 70% water and the same is true for our planet. Water is the very source of all life on Earth. Water can fill any space of any shape. However, its physical appearance is not the only thing that changes. Its molecular shape also changes. The energy or the vibrations of the environment will change the molecular shape of water. A Japanese researcher has been visually documenting changes in water by means of photographic technique. Snow has been falling on the earth for more than a few million years. Each snowflake, as we have been told, has a very unique shape and structure. Mr. Emoto freezes droplets of water and then examines them under a dark field microscope that has photographic capabilities.  
How clean water are you drinking?
Water from pristine mountain streams and springs show the beautifully formed geometric designs in their crystalline patterns. Polluted and toxic water from industrial and populated areas and stagnated water from water pipes and storage dams show definitively distorted and randomly formed crystalline structures.
Why do some cultures bless their water and food?

Gratitude water crystal.
After seeing water react to different environmental conditions, pollution and music, Mr. Emoto and his colleagues decided to see how thoughts and words affected the formation of untreated, distilled, water crystals, using words typed onto paper by a word processor and taped on glass bottles overnight. 
Mr. Emoto's photographs show the incredible reflections of water, as alive and highly responsive to every one of our emotions and thoughts. We now have profound evidence that we can positively heal and transform ourselves and our planet by the thoughts we choose to think and the ways in which we put those thoughts into.
One can't help but wonder if the structure of water changes from different types of music what happens to our bodies that consist of at least 70% water while listening to music? Classical music creates incredibly beautiful water crystals while heavy metal does the opposite. Researchers already came to a conclusion that certain types of music have a much more positive effect on humans, animals or even plants. Now you think about what happens to our body when someone sends you negative thoughts or wishes you ill. It really makes you aware how important it is to watch our thoughts and send love and gratitude. How do we humans change the molecular structure of our waters on this planet?

There are of course those who doubt the truth and the scientific facts behind Mr. Emoto's findings. In my view, the research that has been done in music education in many countries to examine the influence of music on the development of children is enough to support his theory. I also would like to ask the reader? What if it is not true? I believe that the intention behind the theory only makes the world better. So I thick with it! Strangely, whenever I had a glass of pure water my thoughts were positive and believed that the water was good for my health. So next time you drink water, to your health! Cheers!

Miraculous Messages from Water - The work of Masaru Emoto

Rice Experiment-Masaru Emoto RESULTS

Healthy looking, glowing, beautiful skin

Healthy skin comes from being healthy on the inside. Your skin will not look great if your diet is bad and your digestive system is rebelling.  You only can abuse your body to a certain degree before it shows signs.  So be sensible. Everything in moderation!

Feel like need a few changes in your life? Make sure that you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, cut back on animal products as much as possible, cut out caffeine, alcohol and smoking. Drink plenty of filtered, if possible alkaline water. Most importantly, get good quality sleep at night. Every hour sleep you get before midnight does magic to your body’s renewal and healing. Learn to meditate. Meditation will not just make you feel better but you will live longer.

We are so used to buying everything in the shops that simple, cheap and natural products are truly hard to get. I want to share with you a few simple recipes I use to renew and nurture my skin. The result is visible right away and your skin will be grateful for the treatment if you keep using it frequently.

Cucumber and Oats Facial Mask:

Wash and chop up a fresh cucumber. Add a tablespoonful of oats to it and mix them in the blender or food processor.  Make sure that the mixture is creamy and not too runny otherwise too hard to apply on your face. The oats will make a big difference in how creamy your mask is. Cleanse your face and apply the mask. Have a rest or meditate for ten-fifteen minutes with the mask on your face to enjoy maximum benefits. When the mask has dried wash it off with a face washing cloth in warm water. If you are going out, apply some Herbalife outer nutrition. Skin Activator is best I have found. Next time you can add some honey, almond oil or/and egg yolk to your mask. A beaten egg white is great as a facial mask. 

 Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is a trace mineral that contributes to the strength of our connective tissue. Connective tissue is what holds our body together. Cucumber is effective when used for various skin problems, including swelling under the eyes and sunburn. They also contain ascorbic and caffeic acids. These acids prevent water retention. Cucumber applied topically is often helpful for swollen eyes, burns, and dermatitis.

Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair. In addition, the high mineral content in cucumber peel offers a natural source of fresh, powerful antioxidants. The alkalinity of cucumber is also a positive attribute, and because of its water base, the cucumber is also a top choice as a diuretic. It also has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste material and chemical toxins. If you want a happy skin, then cucumber is the answer. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easier for cucumber to mask all the problem areas. It helps in soothing and softening your skin and can get you relaxed in no time. With so many useful ingredients in cucumber it can help you in treating so many skin problems. It has become part of daily beauty product into face packs, facials, juice and many other things, which can affect your skin. Due to its cooling effect it can be termed as a magic wand for all your skin problems. The cleaning and cleansing property helps your skin tremendously making it soft and supple. The regular intake of cucumber juice is very useful both internally and externally.

To have a healthy glowing and smooth skin use this recipe

Blend 4 - 5 leafs of fresh mint.

Peel and deseed the cucumber.

Add mint leaves to the cucumber to make a puree.

Beat egg white and keep it separate, then add this egg white to the cucumber mixture. Apply this evenly on your face for 20 minutes and then rinse it with water and pat it dry.

Benefits of Oats:

Oats are amazingly high in calcium, potassium and magnesium, together with lots of B complex – all are vital to a healthy nervous system. It is a source of the phytochemical, phytic acid that has a range of anti-cancer effects. Oats are a natural antidepressant, great against stress and anxiety and will calm you down. Eating oats frequently will lower your cholesterol.  It also helps relieve fatigue. Oats are actually considered to be one of nature's most fabulous aphrodisiacs.

Because oats are slightly rough, they are one of nature's most amazing exfoliates. They soften the skin, making it super duper silky smooth. Oats have actually been clinically shown to help heal dry, itchy skin. Speaking of dry itchy skin, many people who suffer from eczema say that an oatmeal bath totally sorts them out! They are totally hypoallergenic unlike many of the ingredients that are given to people who have eczema by doctors. Oats can also soothe chicken pox, mosquito bites, and dry skin (caused by excessive central heating, pollution etc.) They soothe mild burns, any type of irritated skin. Whether you are choosing oats to eat for breakfast, to increase sexuality, or to enjoy soft smooth skin, make sure you buy just plain old (organic of course) oats. Avoid the "just add water" oats and the already flavored oats. If you really want to splash out, you can find raw oats, as most oats have been heated to keep them from going rancid.

Oat and Honey Milk Bath

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup almond milk (you can buy your own, or simply soak some almonds overnight and blend them up!

5-6 drops of lavender (to ensure that you truly chill out in your bath!)

Place the ingredients in a small, natural fabric bag, such as hemp, muslin or cheesecloth. Hang the bag under the faucet as you fill the tub, then put the bag into the bath as you soak up the goodies.

Enjoy good health and healthy skin!

Longevity and healing by Oil Pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic method

How would you feel is someone told you that you could live up to 150 years by using a simple method every day? How would you feel is someone told you that this method had been used by the Indians for thousand of years and it is a simple way to remove toxins from your body and heal many illnesses and diseases?
Oil Pulling is reported to cure mouth disease, stiff joints, allergies, asthma, high blood sugar, constipation, migraines, bronchitis, eczema, heart, kidney and lung diseases, leukemia, arthritis, meningitis, insomnia, menopause, hormonal issues, cancer, AIDS, chronic infections, varicose veins, high blood pressure, diabetes, polio, cracked heels and many more. 
Interestingly, Ayurveda advises oil swishing "to purify the taste-buds and the entire system", as explained by Dr Deepak Chopra in Perfect Health. According to this life science, the tongue is mapped by organ-locations - that is, each section of the tongue is connected to the kidneys, lungs, spleen, liver, heart, kidney, pancreas, small intestines, stomach, colon and spine. Thus, an oil-massage soothes and stimulates the key meridians where taste meets organ. Simultaneously, as in any skin-massage, the inner skin and lining of the mouth, palate and tongue become warm and supple and the lubrication prevents dryness (the vatic effect). The Ayurvedic purification of the taste buds also has its equivalent in dietetics as 'antioxidants'. Oxidation literally means 'the purification of body-tissues'. 
Oil pulling was a regiment developed by Dr Karach. It is a healing procedure involving cold pressed oils. Using this method, one could heal a lot of chronic illnesses, diseases preventing the need for surgery or medication. 

What did the procedure involve?
It is swishing 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed oil in your mouth first thing in the morning on empty stomach for around 15-20 minutes. Doing so would heal the tissues of all your organs at the same time. Harmful toxins would be eliminated without destroying any beneficial pro-biotics. Moreover, making this as your daily routine would prolong your lifespan according to Dr Karach. Make sure that you DO NOT swallow the oil. Slowly swish the oil in your mouth sipping, sucking it through your teeth. Use your saliva to swish the oil around in your mouth. Doing this will use your enzymes, which in turn will draw out harmful toxins out of your bloodstream. So make sure the oil is not swallowed as it will absorb toxins. As you continue oil pulling, the oil gets more thin and turns white. After 20 min spit it out in the sink or the toilet. If the colour is not white, it means you are not done. Next time, do it longer. Your oral cavity should be thoroughly rinsed. You can rinse it with salt water, use normal tap water and good old fingers to clean or if you wish, brush your teeth as normal. After you've done, clean the sink, because it may contain lots of harmful toxins that you just eliminated. 
Oil Pulling will generally increase your metabolic rate, your energy and thus your health. 
The oil pulls all mucous, bacteria and toxins from your body through your saliva. According to Ayurvedic medicine, mucous is a poison that is toxic that must be removed. There is no doubt now that the health of your mouth is directly linked to your organ health. The bacteria in your mouth, the really bad stuff that forms plaque, is very attracted to the acids in the oil. As your mouth is populating with all this nasty bacteria (or worse, infections) you are swallowing the stuff. That bacteria is attacking you internally. That is why some people have had heart attacks after a dental procedure, like a root canal, that infuses their body with nasty stuff. Oil Pulling simply removes bad bacteria and toxins so that it cannot go anywhere else. 
TIPS:
Keep your chin tilted up makes sure the oil gets to the back molars. If you oil pull after meals, wait at least 4 hours before you oil pull and one hour after drinking. 
A worsening of symptoms is an excellent indication that the disease/ailment is being dealt with and being cured. Do not stop Oil Pulling if you feel aggravated symptoms or heightened side effects after a day or two. Your body is healing. 
Change what oil you use, you will get different results and gain new energy. Recommended oils: best results are reported with organic cold-pressed Seasame Oil, Sunflower Oil and Coconut Oil. 
It is most astonishing what a great result can be achieved by this absolutely harmless biological healing method. One of the most striking results of this process is the fastening of loose teeth, the elimination of bleeding gums and the visible whitening of the teeth. 
Watch Natasha's video on how to do Oil Pulling 

The CHINA STUDY - most comprehensive nutrition study ever conducted

My personal opinion is this. Anyone who cares about his/her good health and interested in good nutrition should read this book.  Everyone who works in the medical profession should read it. What we do with this information after reading the book is a private matter. Some will apply it some won't. Good health is a choice.

THE CHINA STUDY by T. Colin Campbell PhD and Thomas M. Campbell
Startling implications for diet, weight loss and long term health.
Published by Benbella Books Dallas, Texas in 2006.

Watch The China Study series on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dXIFEWg-As

4th January 2010 change to plant-based diet

Once you chose the path of good health it is amazing how things pop up to take you deeper on this path to help you and heal you. My journey to good health seems to be an ongoing process with lots of exciting learning, great experiences and wonderful results. Not to mention the amazing people I have met in person or who's books and websites I have read. They are all out there spreading the news on a healthier diet that could save humanity and the planet from self-destruction. They are advocating this diet against the food industry, diary, meat, McDonalds, Coca Cola, drug companies, the medical profession who is as clueless about nutrition as one can be and many huge companies and governments who does not represent the best interest of the population. 


On 4th January 2010 as a result of reading The China Study and watching the 14-parts video series on YouTube I decided to get back to being vegetarian and this time to go even further. I made a commitment to my health and go on a plant-based diet. Strangely enough, any other time I would never even attempt it and sure would not be able to do it. Not even for a day. However, after reading The China Study it was a logical step and a very easy one. In the last two weeks I ate mostly raw fresh fruits and vegetables with a tiny bit of rice or pasta if I was out. I experienced  right away a huge increase in energy and a better quality sleep at night. I also noticed right after the first days that my skin became more smooth and moist. My heels are the real indicators of any change and I extremely pleased with what I am experiencing. I am looking at food and at people with very different eyes. The China study has changed my life.