want to enhance your well-being, exponentially?

Well, I have been using the Earthing technology since November 2007, and the results have been suttle but enormous. Not only am I more "grounded" (not as spastic in getting things done), but I am more focused in my activities (including sleeping!), less hungry, and more productive. I have 2 friends who feel that their lives have changed dramatically, because they feel more rested, have bundles of energy, and even starting to build muscle mass but their workouts haven't changed! I can't explain it, but these websites can. Visit the main Earthed website and read through the entire website to get an understanding of the technology it uses. More importantly, read the Science and Research behind this technology and listen to their Audios. Great and interesting stuff! I have a sleeping pad on my bed, and I used it in my studio as a part of my massage practice. I hope you can feel as great as I do!

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massage therapy

Top 4 discussion points during massage sessions:

1. Daily water consumption. People aren't drinking enough water. I can feel it in your tissues. Your muscles are sore and you are tired. You're hungry more often with cravings. Water is your miracle drink! Not only will you feel better (minimize/get rid of headaches, heartburn, high blood pressure, and more), but you may even lose that poundage you you've been wanting to shed. Here's my rule set: Take your weight and divide by 2. This equals the amount of water you should (at least) drink in ounces daily. If you drink coffee, teas, sodas, alcohol, and any other diuretics, then add 2 more cups of water for every one cup of diuretic drink you drink. If you exercise, add more water, too. Here's a
hydration calculator you can use to tabulate your intake, especially in figuring out your extra exercise water portions.

Whoa Nellie, that's alot of water you're thinking...I'm going to have setup camp in the bathroom! Well, maybe initially you will have to ;-) , because the water is flushing out the your system (blood, lymph, kidneys, etc.). Another secret is to not drink all the water at once, so divide your total water consumption by 3. SO I drink ~100oz daily, therefore, I drink ~33oz (a liter) 3 times daily, about an half hour before my meal.

Lastly, you're going to think that this drinking water is a pain in you know what. But keep drinking water for, at least, two weeks steady, and then stop. See how you feel then! You'll probably like crapola. Start "playing" with your water consumption and see how it feels to you. Only you know what's best for you and how much you need...

Oh, one more thing, if you feel "washed out", get some electrolytes in. The best time would be in the morning with your first servings of water. I recommend one packet of Emergen-C Lite or Alive! Effervescent. Also, read Fereydoon Batmanghelidj's book, Your Body's Many Cries for Water (also see health resouces below).

2. Epsom salt. It is always recommended to have an Epsom Salt bath after a massage. Why? Thirty percent of the body's wastes are eliminated through the skin. Baths facilitate the opening of pores and stimulating the sweat glands, allowing the skin to excrete toxins. When Epsom Salt is added to your bath, the sulfates and magnesium in Epsom Salt detoxify your body by drawing out toxins through the skin and reduce inflammation to relieve pain and muscles cramps. Lactic acid and other waste products that are built-up in chronically-held tissues can be released in the body through massage. However, taking a bath with Epsom Salt, these toxins can be released through the skin. Therefore, Epsom Salt helps eliminate toxins by activating fluid movement in the issues and increasing perspiration (in conjunction to the warm water). Begin with a 1/4 cup of Epsom Salt. Gradually increase the amount with each bath until you are using ~4 cups/tub of clean, warm-hot water. Should you experience symptoms at any level, stay at that level of Epsom Salt until you can soak 30 minutes with no symptoms. REMEMBER, you must replenish your body with water! If you want to learn more about Epsom Salt, visit the Epsom Salt Council website.

3. Got tennis and/or golf ball(s)? You are not able to see a massage therapist and your self-massage techniques aren't working, but you got this pain in your body that you just gotta get rid of...use a tennis/golf ball or two! It's cheap and it works for your neck, back, IT band, gluts, your feet, and where ever else you hurt. Put the ball on the ground and rub the bottom of your foot on it as light or hard as you can - great for plantar fasciitis. Lay on the bed or floor and put 2 balls at the base of your neck and on sides of the spine and just lay there. You can also move the balls down your spine or do compressions down your spine. You may need to be creative on how to use these balls as massage tools for your muscles, but it/they do great work. For those who graduated from using tennis balls, use golf balls instead.

4. My hands and skin. People always comment on how soft my hands and skin are. So what do I do? Here is a list of how this could be:

a. I drink lots of water, eat a vegan diet, and exercise daily.

b. I use a dry brush before showering daily. The benefits are amazing and plentiful. Visit Natural Health Techniques website for detailed information.

c. In the shower, I use a scrungy with soap to exfoliate even more dead cells. If I have rough spots (especially on my feet and sometimes at my fingertips), I use a pumice board.

d. I moisturize occasionally with olive oil (before getting out of the shower) or lotion (also before getting out of the shower). Sometimes in the evenings, I "lather-up" my hands with lots of lotion, put on a set of gloves, and go to sleep. In the morning, my hands are sooo soft...

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activism for health

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) PRODUCTS

In Europe, if you ravaged with a cold and want to pop some vitamin C and Zinc, don't expect that you can go to the store and buy it. You'll have to see a doctor and have it prescribed and pay about double-triple of what you pay now (here in the US) for over the counter vitamins and other popular medications. How about if water or juice was considered as a drug? In the US, we are not there YET. CAM products affect us who use, seek, and provide health alternatives outside the doctor-pharmaceutical arena. Public comment period is now closed as of July 31, 2007 (no other extensions have been issued). However, if you're curious as to how CAM products are "developing" in the US, read through to these resources: "Organic Consumers Organization" and "Heath Freedom Foundation".

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Monday, August 4, 2008

Client Testimonials

Here are some from my clients:

I have used massage therapy as a health maintenence program for more than thirty years. Thai massage technique has been the most effective for me. Of course, the quality of massage depends directly on the practitioner. I suggest if you just want a body rub that you go elsewhere. If you are looking for an experienced professional who will align and balance your chakras and tone your energies then request a session from Michele. You will notice immediately how well Michele identifies energy blockages and releases them, aligns the skeletal by neutralizing tension in muscles and joints, all of which leaves you in a posture of renewed balance and a relaxed body/mind. Michael Smith, Student of Kinesiology

I met Michele when she was volunteering her services at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for homeless veterans of the armed services. Michele was giving deep and relaxing massages to patients in their first 30 days of detoxification, and I was one of those patients. Michele's work helped removed poisons from my body, and she also gave me excellent suggestions on how to live a healthier lifestyle through diet and routine massages. Her skills along with her obvious compassion for the people she worked with are a combination that, in my opinion, is second to none. Michele's sessions with me have become an important part of my recovery from the disease of addiction. Every single veteran that Michele worked with benefitted greatly, and as for myself I have been able to remain drug and alcohol free since embracing this new lifestyle. I would never say these sessions with Michele alone were the only reason for my current success; however, they certainly have helped more than I can say. I would recommend Michele to anyone to improve their lifestyle through massage therapy and natural etoxification. Michele is a warm and caring person who is well-suited for her work. Thomas S., US Air Force Veteran and Advertising & Account Executive

I have had all kinds of massage and bodywork before and it always made me feel better. What has been different after a series of Thai Massage sessions with you is that there is no trace of pain and stiffness left in my body. Thank you, Michele, for your great work! Rainer Ackermann, Holistic Health Practitioner

What stands out the most about the massages I receive fro Michele is that I feel so peaceful afterwards. She made every effort to make sure I was comfortable and well-supported. I look forward to more massages by Michele in the future! Nancy Nelson, RN and Health & Lifestyle Coach

At 66 years of age, I believe massage is a healthy necessity. Working with Michele, I have found her to be extremely passionate about her work. She truly cares about helping people and will try numerous techniques, if necessary. Michele as helped me relieve many aches and pains and improve my posture. I always feel very relaxed and sleep great after a session. I would highly recommend her to anyone wanting a dedicated, caring massage therapist. Sandra Buzan, Retired Psychotherapist, M.A.

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quote central

Maintaining and improving your health is a rewarding,
fighting illness and disease a grueling experience.

Everything is on purpose.

The burden of proof should fall upon the MD, to justify his/her self-proclaimed "radical" procedures, and not upon the conservative practitioner using the time proven "nature cure". (Dr. Doug Graham)

The basis of life is absolute freedom. The objective of life is absolute joy. The result of life is absolute growth. (Abraham-Hicks)

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health resources

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activism resources

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