During the Christmas season and holidays, one has time to reflect and mull over past events.  I met up with a close friend whom I  had not seen in ages and she had been reading a variety of self-help books and urged me to buy and read them myself.

In the New-age bookshop I was deciding on what book to buy and I came to a moving decision that what I really needed to do was to buy a journal for me to write down what I know to be true and helpful insights into maintaining peace and calm in 2010.

We are all unique and really do have the answers inside us.  Along my path I had noticed and picked up invaluable sayings quotes and insights and it was this that I wanted to write in my very own self-help book.

I bought the most beautiful handmade journal and started by painting my own Mandala for 2010 on the first page.

I have much to add to my journal but here are some of my 1st entries that I chose to write:

In the infinity of life where I am

all is perfect, whole and complete

I recognise my body as a good friend

Each cell in my body has Divine intelligence.

I listen to what it tells me

and know that its advice is valid.

I am always safe, and Divinely protected and guided.

I chose to be healthy and free.

All is well in my world.

(Above poem gratefully read in a Louise Hay book)

Whatever is right for me will come.

The most effective Medicine here on earth is love unconditional.

I am ready to have my needs met, heard and responded to.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

I can’t wait to add more to my journal.  A peaceful, fulfilling 2010 here I come.

A healthy lymphatic system is paramount in maintaining a healthy immune system.  Exercise and massage can also assist maintain it.   Beneficial foods include :

Cucumber – Rich in vitamin E (antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, strengthens muscles and capillary walls), a good source of: of iodine (essential for good thyroid function), chlorine and sulphur (cleansing minerals), silicon (essential for good blood circulation, healthy red cells, efficient cell growth) iron and vitamin A.

Spinach – Rich in: magnesium (important alkaline mineral, activates enzymes needed for proper digestion as well as other important functions), iron, copper (required in combination with manganese for good assimilation of iron) manganese (‘memory’ mineral), chlorine and vitamin E .  A squeeze of lemon juice aids absorption when spinach is cooked.

Lettuce – Rich in silicon, good source of: biotin, iron and vitamins C, E, and trace element copper and bromine (a mild sedative).

Tomatoes – Rich in lycopene (strong antioxidant), good source of: potassium (which counterbalances citric, mallic and oxalic acid contents), sulphur, silicon, bromine and all minerals except sodium.

Carrots – Good source of:  vitamins A, E, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorine and sulphur.

Asparagus – Good source of: iodine, chlorine and sulphur, phosphorus, potassium, iron in combination with trace mineral copper and vitamin E.

Garlic – is a natural antibiotic.  It has a high natural sulphur content (promotes elimination of acid-mucus toxins from the lymphatic system). Good source of: iron, calcium, pectin and enzymes.

Beetroot – excellent source of manganese, magnesium, good source of sodium, potassium.  Grated fresh beetroot drenched with lemon juice is a tasty, attractive addition to any meal, providing perfect sodium/potassium balance.

Avocado – good source of magnesium, B vitamins, biotin, folic acid.  Is 43% monounsaturated lipids.

Nuts - great sources of ‘good’ fats, rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals. Use raw nuts with ’skins’ on. Almonds, pecans & brazils are lowest in carbohydrate, cashews the highest. Nuts have high iron content and a trace of copper.

Almonds are the most alkaline of nuts, they are high in protein, good sources of : Vitamin E, B group (especially niacin), have a good balance of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, silicon.  Is 68% monounsaturated lipids.

Walnuts good sources of : A, B group (high biotin – essential for conversion of unsaturated fats into useable energy), good protein (all essential amino acids).  Is 68% polyunsaturated lipid.

Hazelnuts High Vitamin A, E,B group (especially B5,B6), low protein, good source of: zinc, selenium, calcium and potassium. Is 77% monounsaturated.

Pepitas Great protein food, all essential amino acids in well balanced form – High phosphorus, iron, Vitamin A, E, B group.

Sunflower seeds Good protein, all essential amino acids, Vitamin. D, E, B1, B2, B3, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, silicon iron. Good balance monounsaturateds and polyunsaturateds.

Sesame seeds Best freshly ground for good absorbability – high protein, rich in methionine, Vitamin E, Vitamin T (assists formation of blood platelets, may improve memory & concentration), good source of B group vitamins especially niacin.  High calcium content and calcium/phosphorus balance is roughly same proportions needed by the body.  Good source of  potassium and magnesium. Good balance of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.

Linseeds (flaxseeds) High in Omega 3, 6, 9, polyunsaturated fatty acids, high in phytoestragens. Use freshly ground. . Oil goes rancid quickly and dangerous trans fatty acids develop if affected by heat and light.

Information source: Rosemary White, Sydney – a wonderful practitioner in Lymphatic Drainage using nutrition, crystals and polarity.

• Accept responsibility for yourself.
• Like yourself.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses.
• Pace yourself.
• Maintain balance in your life – (Reward, pleasure, duty, self-development, play, exercise, diet, and work).
• Develop your own standards and sets of values.
• Adopt a positive approach.
• Accept others as they are – the only thing you can change is yourself.
• Have a purpose or goal in life.
• Do your best and know that that will always be enough

I wrote this books for parents of children aged 4 to 12. It’s aim is to be a fun and nurturing tool to bring about calmness, peace, and self-esteem for the whole family. I hope to inspire children to incorporate alternative health tools in their life and to appreciate the ability to give and receive unconditional love.

The book is split into three easy to read sections: “Tools for health and happiness,” “Things to make and do,” and “Did you know that?”

My daugher Kenya did all the art work and my wonderful family pooled resources to edit and put it out there.  It was published in April , 2009 and is  116 pages long.

You can purchase this book through me.  Simply call or email me.

RRP $22.00 (Inc GST) Wholesale Price $13.20 (Inc Gst)

“Xanthe has created a work which is very much needed by our children. In a world that is wrapped up in the band-aid solution for illness, we need to start teaching our children how to listen to their bodies and take responsibility for their our own health. The approach in this book is very down to earth and fun and the illustrations are gorgeous!
Well done Xanthe”                                                                                                                                                                                                       Angela Stafford

If you want to truly know more about the Crown Chakra, then read on:

The Crown Chakra represents that part of your consciousness concerned with perceptions of unity or separation.  It influences your relationship with Our Father in Heaven.

It also represents your connection with your biological father, which becomes the model for your relationship with authority and ultimately with God. It is the level of the soul.

The Crown Chakra can influence how you develop spiritually and emotionally to experience true transformation.

The Crown Chakra connects you with source and brings divine consciousness into your daily thoughts and actions, allowing your spirituality to guide you.

• It governs clear and wise decision making, self-transcendence and is focused on creating meaning in your life through relationships, contribution to community, self-actualisation and spirituality.
  It’s colour is violet and white light. The violet ray is the ray of alchemy. If you call the violet ray through your body and chakras, you can experience transmutation of energies and freedom from karmic patterns that no longer serve you.
  It’s element is Inner Light.
  It’s issues are attachment, faith, consciousness, awareness, belief systems, transcendence, universal mind, unity, divinity, information, intelligence and information.
  It’s sound is a high-pitched eeehhhhhhh.
  It’s chant is the sound M-A-A-A-Y-Y-Y in the note of middle C.
  It’s energy generates devotion, inspirational and prophetic thoughts and transcendent ideas.
  It’s dance is that of bliss, celebration, surrender of ego and mind, connecting to source, body melting and allowing light to flood through you.
  It’s main strengths are the presence of the divine, inner guidance, insight into healing and a sense of trust that all is as it should be.
  It stores all the energies generated by prayer and meditation.
  It’s associated body organs are the muscular sysytem, skeletal sysytem, skin, pineal and pituitary gland.
  It’s primary fears are those related to spiritual issues, fears of abandonment, fears that god is not supporting you, loss of identity and loss of connection with life.
  It’s physical dysfunctions are energetic disorders such as chronic exhaustion, coma, amnesia, extreme sensitivities to light, sound and environmental factors.

Benefits of activating the Crown Chakra are the universal energy flow into the auric field. This allows the aura to become cleaner and brighter. It allows the seven main chakras, or energy centers to receive this high vibration and become more balanced. This then allows healing energy to flow into your body. The stimulation affects the hypothalamus region of the brain resulting in the release of some endorphins into the body. This in turn will help you to feel better allowing you to use more of your brain’s potential and balancing of your moods.

Information taken from an email sent by Natalie Joscelyne, a wonderful Chakra Dance Facilitator. shamanastone@hotmail.com for more information.

A great alternative providing that needed energy ‘kick’ is ginger, dandelion and lemon tea.

• Roughly cut up a lemon, including the skin and the seeds, approximately 1cm of ginger root and about a teaspoon of raw dandelion root and pour on boiling water.
• Sweeten it to taste with a little raw honey.
• Let it stand.
• Use a big thermos in winter or add ice after it has cooled in summer.

Not only is it delicious but:

Ginger helps digestion, controls nausea and abdominal spasms.

Dandelion root is a diuretic, promotes bile flow and helps the liver  and lemon is a good source of phosphorus, sodium and P.A.B.A (aiding protein digestion and synthesis).

The lemon skin is rich in rutin. This bioflavonoid improves lymph flow and stimulates both microcirculation and capillary tone .

This recipe from a Rosemary White (R.N.Grad,Dip,H.Sc(Geront), D.R.M.,Dip.Arom., Dip.Reflex.

There are four main types of blood and these are called:   O, A, B and AB.  Your blood type will depend on the genes that you inherited from your family.  The most common blood type is O.

Your blood is made up of 55% plasma which is a white clear fluid and the remainder is made up of formed elements.  The formed elements are mostly Red Blood Cells (they look like little discs and have a strong covering called a membrane) and there are also White Blood Cells and platelets.

Blood has three important functions.  The first function is: transportation of oxygen, nutrients, waste and hormones.

The second function is: to regulate .  It regulates your body temperature, which aims to be at around 37 degrees.  Blood carries glucose to all parts of the body to facilitate energy and blood sugar regulation is another important function of blood.

The third function is: protection.  It is able to clot when there is a wound.  This clotting forms a protective layer a bit like.  The white blood cells also provide protection against disease and invaders.  The number of white blood cells in your body depends on whether there are any invading germs such as bacteria or viruses.  They are very efficient at seeking out invaders and destroying them.

The red colour of your red blood cells is due to a colour pigment called haemoglobin (pronounced hem-o-globe-in).  This is a protein and it carries the oxygen that keeps you alive.  The red blood cells live for about 120 days and then they are removed and recycled through your liver and spleen.  New Red blood cells are continuously being produced.

Dr Peter D’Adamo, N.D., conducted research and published Eat Right 4 Your Type. The concept of his book is based on evolutionary history.  The principles discussed in the book are that each blood type responds differently to specific foods.

According to Dr D’Adamo:

O blood type is the early human blood type and prefers a meat based diet containing meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Eggs should be consumed only on occasion. A blood type prefer a plant-based diet containing beans, fruit and vegetables. Chicken should be consumed only on occasion. B  blood type and AB blood type are able to consume a variety of foods with some exceptions.

It is worth keeping in mind with the dietary suggestions of Dr D’Adamo that the Blood type Diet is only one blood genetic variable of many and therefore it might not suit everyone.

1. Play hide and seek in the park
2. Visit the corner café for a milkshake
3. Play hopscotch
4. Do a handstand
5. Hula hoop for as long as you can
6. Skip
7. Chuck water on the trampoline and jump
8. Use water balloons as your ultimate weapon
9. Blow big bubbles with Hubba Bubba bubble gum
10. Eat a choc-top from Mr Whippy
11. Make homemade lemonade
12. Laugh so hard that your stomach hurts
13. Spin around, get dizzy and fall down
14. Make a decision using “eeny-meeny-miney-mo”
15. Play scissors, paper, rock
16. Run till you are out of breath
17. Watch cartoons
18. Put money into perspective by playing Monopoly
19. Have an orange-flavoured chewable vitamin C
20. Go to the beach and catch a wave

There is no need for you to stop treating the child inside with lots of fun things to do …    GO ON!!

The Acu-calm application is a self-help tool to bring about greater contentment and wellbeing.  If you are feeling stressed look up which point to touch to help you in your particular predicament.

It’s easy and it works.

About Acupuncture points and Meridians

There are many healing points on your body called acupuncture points and most of these points belong to lines on your body called meridians.  Meridians can be likened to a mapping system of pathways through which qi (life energy) and blood circulate.

There are twelve main body meridians and two extra meridians that form lines in your body. Their role is to nourish, integrate, communicate, regulate and link organs to tissue.

An acupuncture point can be defined as a point of access to deeper energy circulation.

Acupuncture has been practised in China for over 2000 years and as early as the 3^rd century illustrations and locations of 349 points were recorded.  This later extended to 354 acupuncture points.  More points continue to be discovered today that are not associated with the meridian system and these are called extra points.

Each acupuncture point is given a name comprised of two letters and a number. This tells you which meridian it is on and which point on that meridian. For example, Ki 4 is four points from the beginning of the kidney meridian.

If a single acupuncture point is touched lightly, you can remind your body that it is able to heal itself and to mend any required energy areas on that meridian. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, illness, pain, emotional suffering and feelings are linked and so the use of acupuncture points will reap great benefits.

As the main meridians either begin or end on the ends of the fingers and toes, this application will focus on helpful points on the hands, feet and head.  Points shown here can be lightly touched subtlety in most work and home situations.
Instructions:

Chose the most suitable point or points for this moment (you can chose to touch more than one).

Touch the Acu-calm point(s) lightly with your index finger as if you are touching your eyelid.

If the point is on the hand or foot, ensure that you touch each side.  This can be done together or in turn.

While touching the point(s), focus your inward breath into the point as if breathing healing into it and focus your outward breath on expelling negative energy out of the point.  If you wish you can imagine the exact negative emotion or feeling being expelled.

The length of time to hold the point(s) is entirely up to you.  A minimum of 5 seconds is more beneficial.

When you feel you have touched the point for the length of time that you wish, then remove your finger, empty your mind and take a deep breath.

Menu of points

FOOT

Replace worry and inner turmoil with calm thoughts                           Sp 4

Replace anger and rage with peaceful thoughts                                       Lv 2

Replace fear with calmness and security                                                    Ki 4

Replace melancholy with renewed interest and vitality                      Bl 62

HAND

Replace fright and shock with inner calm                                             Ht 8

Replace grief and guilt with a sense of peace                                       Lu 7

Replace holding into issues with the ability to let go                       LI 4

Replace anxiety with balanced emotions                                              Ht 5

Replace a racing irregular heart with a steady calm heart beat   Pc 6

HEAD

Replace confusion with clarity and insight                                             Gv 20

Replace emotional trauma and stress with contentment                 Gb 14

Replace self-doubt with belief in self and success                                Cv 24