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Three Tips to Staying Active at Any Age

Three Tips to Staying Active at Any Age

Staying active as a teenager and young adult is never an issue, but as we age, it can be a challenge to keep moving, especially if you suffer from a health condition or injury. However, it’s important to keep yourself moving as it can lead to a host of physical and mental health benefits. Follow these three tips to stay active no matter what your age or fitness level. continue reading »

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Facial Rejuvenation with Cosmetic Acupuncture

Facial Rejuvenation with Cosmetic Acupuncture

There are countless articles and research papers on the benefits of acupuncture, but did you know that it can also be used to combat the signs of aging? A natural alternative to surgery or Botox, facial acupuncture is merely an extension of traditional acupuncture and Chinese medicine philosophy. 

Unlike an injection of Botox or some other filler, facial acupuncture addresses not just the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles but it also helps to restore your skin’s overall health. Now, you might be worried about acupuncture needles placed in your face, but acupuncture is safe and effective and is recognized by the World Health Organization and there are established guidelines for practice just like any other health profession. Practitioners are also licensed by their state’s department of health so you can be confident that you are in good hands.  continue reading »

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Four Reasons Self-Care Should be a Priority in Your Life

Four Reasons Self-Care Should be a Priority in Your Life

Self-care has become a trendy buzzword in the post-Covid era but the benefits to practicing regular self-care are undeniable. But first, let’s talk about what self-care is and what it isn’t. Self-care is taking steps to address your physical and emotional health needs to the best of your ability. Self-care is not being selfish or self-indulgent. 

And nobody knows the importance of self-care better than moms. Yet moms are usually the first to put themselves at the bottom of the list in terms of self-care. But we don’t all have to be moms to have an overwhelming to-do list that depletes us mentally and physically. Just like a healthy diet and regular exercise, self-care is the next key to great physical and mental health.

The best part about self-care is that it includes a variety of activities that can range from exercise, yoga, hiking in nature, or bike riding, to quieter outlets like reading, meditation, prayer, or a warm bath. It really is up to you to determine what outlet is best for you.  continue reading »

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Can Acupuncture Help with Depression?

Can Acupuncture Help with Depression?

As mental health issues have come to the forefront in recent years, many have sought more natural treatment options that don’t involve pharmaceuticals and their potentially harmful effects. Acupuncture has become a popular option for treating mental health issues, including depression. But does it work? Before we answer that question, let’s give a proper definition to both acupuncture and depression. continue reading »

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The Art of Spiritual Bathing

LimpiaCleansing with herbs and flowers in a spiritual bath.

Nice to do on a full moon like tonight! With all of the emotional stress going around the world at the moment, it is good to take time to cleanse and nurture ourselves from negativity.

You can use various types of herbs and flowers in your bath for spiritual healing. You can use them for cleansing, protection, relaxation, vitality, and many many types of healing. In some cultures, these are called Limpias. Herbs, flowers, prayers and songs, and the sacred sound of drums or rattles or other forms of music can help purify a person’s mind, body, and spirit. Another essential element of the limpia is the smoke of copal, palo santo, white sage, or other plant you consider deeply clearing and protective for this kind of work. You can also use crystals to infuse the water, or bring in water from sacred areas (mountain streams, holy wells, the ocean, hot springs and so forth).

We all draw energy from different sources to feed emotional states, and this can essentially energize cells within our body, depending on the emotional trigger. There are specific herbs that have been used for millennia, whose frequencies are known to have an impact in deflecting and transforming negative energies. Here are some excellent herbs at deflecting negative energy and balancing your connection to all that is.

Consider using Calendula flowers, Lavender flowers, White pine, Juniper, Oak leaf and bark, Witch Hazel bark, Rosemary, Roses, Plantain leaf, or Yarrow leaf and flowers as infusion choices for skin care to encourage closing wounds. Sea salt will sting any open skin areas, with no harm other than it stings. Epsom salt does not. This will speed physical healing and gather the soul and spirit back after such a traumatic event. I suggest a spiritual foot or hand bath for the in-between situations where a full immersion bath must wait or you don’t have access to a bath tub.

An Elder Flower, Lemon, Honey, and Coconut Milk Bath soothes everything and guarantees a deep restorative sleep in the wake of anything disruptive. For some practical logistics, keep a fine mesh strainer handy for skimming the herbs out because you don’t want clogged drains.

One method is to make a fresh plant wand for the limpia. Bundle a handful of fresh plant material together, such as pines, roses, rosemary, oregano, thyme, lavender, or any of the herbs mentioned above, and any fresh spices.

You can decide to have infused water as part of this by putting it in a bowl or pot first, then bringing the water to the bath. Or just sweep the fresh bundle through your smudge smoke or essential oil mist, and work the fresh plant material over your body.

You will want to take a shower BEFORE the bath to clean off, and then you can leave the herbs on your skin, with or without using a towel to wipe off afterwards. (If you are allergic to any plants or essential oils, etc. don’t use them!)

You can also do this in a shower by brushing the water with the plant bundle over you.

Enjoy your spirit bath!

Author: Gina O’Connor

 

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