Dry skin brushing

I just came across this incredibly thorough article on dry skin brushing. It motivates me to do it more!!! Dry skin brushing helps not only with surface problems of skin and cellulite, but benefits your body so much, it has even made nausea disappear for me. I got my brush from T-Tapp and use the great directions that came with the brush, but I'm fascinated by all the detailed information. Enjoy!

http://www.naturalhealthtechniques.com/HealingTechniques/Dry_Brushing_Technique.htm

Should Christians Use Alternative Medicine?

I'm feeling philosophical! Watch out....

There are a lot of people in the natural health field who do not believe in God. But they are also a lot of Christians who see the goodness of God's creation and wonder why we need to do things with chemicals when herbs used properly (such as in pure and concentrated form) can do the same things. Some herbs or natural remedies are ineffective b/c they are not in the proper form--they may lose potency when heated, for example. And so people try a home remedy and give up on it. But I have seen things that work amazingly and think about how God gave that property to that plant. I believe God provided for us when I see we don't need to fight the body to help it fight illness (such as meds for every fever). If a treatment is not based in something God created but rather in something mystic/spiritual, I would have nothing to do with it as it contradicts my personal convictions. My experience with natural remedies is that most of them are more science/nature based than it is spiritual. Of course, it could be that I find that b/c that's what I'm looking for!

But I see the glory of God in his provision for our ailing bodies. And I see a lot of our suffering caused by our cultures decision to eat man-made things instead of the natural food God provided. (see this post) God truly is a good provider. And at times when we do suffer, we have the opportunity to find greater pleasure in God, not in our circumstance.

I haven't had as many practical thoughts to share here lately (I have so much already on the blog), but would love to answer questions, so feel free to ask. :)

My hair secret for baby fresh hair.

I kissed my daughter's sweet head. There's nothing like the smell of a baby. But wait--she's 7! And she does truly have that sweet baby smell. Let me explain.

I'm about to reveal a big secret. I don't shampoo my hair. I found out that shampoo does more damage than good. Not only are most the chemicals toxic, but my hair is so much better when I skip the shampoo. It has more body and shine and doesn't need anything sprayed on it.

I know, you are remembering the last time you skipped washing your hair and it was not pretty. Do you know why? B/c your scalp is used to replacing the oils you strip off of it. Don't strip them off and your scalp will adjust. If you jump into this, you may have to go through a yucky transition time. I started it gradually and almost accidentally. I had a season of sickness that I wasn't showering as much b/c of low energy. So, my hair washing was spaced out. Then I tried just rinsing with water sometimes instead of shampoo. Eventually I just ditched the shampoo. Now I use a cup of water with a "swig" of raw apple cider vinegar (maybe a Tbs.?) as a rinse. I use plain water on my hair before and after. Not everyone uses the ACV but I have scalp issues if I don't. (If I could get my general health under control that would probably disappear too.) I can tell if I go too long without washing it, even if I'm "only" using water. It's not greasy, but it doesn't lay right.

So, I decided if it's good enough for me, why not try it on my kids. I don't give them daily baths anyway. And after a couple weeks, I noticed the baby fresh smell! WOW! Could I sue Johnson and Johnson for all the lost years?? Guess not, but I'm sold on the free shampoo--water! Think of all the money you can save on shampoo for a whole family for a year. Cool, huh?

By the way, if you want to search out more details on how people use vinegar and baking soda as they back off shampoo, you'll want to search for "no poo". Lovely phrase, huh. I also noticed my hair dries a lot faster after a shower. Less need for hair drying is healthy for your hair too! The only thing I need to figure out now, is how to find time to wash my hair when I don't get up before my kids.

Let me know if you try it. In fact, if your brave, you can share before and after pictures!

Making a New Year's Resolution to Get in Shape?

I love T-Tapp. It's one reason I hardly need a chiropractor anymore. They currently have the Basic Workout on VHS for only $15. So, for you penny-pinchers that have a VHS players, you can now try T-tapp with just a bit of Christmas money. Why T-tapp? Read this post. And notice that post was over a year old--and it's still my favorite!

Go to the store and click Super closeouts on the top left. I'd be happy to share how I do a modified Basic Workout if anyone is dealing with health problems similar to mine--just e-mail.

I wanted to share the link to the 12 days of Christmas you-tube that I posted last year, but it's changed. It was posted last year and got 8 million hits and so the group has gotten back together now and made an album. http://www.sncmusic.com/ is the group's site or you can still see the original video at: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/straight-no-chaser-12-days-of-christmas/4229357834 Merry Christmas!

May 2009 bring you good health and good cheer! God Bless You!

Hit the beach for fertility?

This report comes from Australia--at it actually is summer there. Vitamin D is important for health and this study now shows it affects fertility too. When NUTRITIONAL deficiencies were corrected half of the male fertility went away!! (apparently some of those with other "minor" treatments.) So, half of those guys could have saved a lot of money and possibly embarrassment by hanging out in the sun and/or eating a better diet. The most natural source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Second best is a high quality fish oil, like Carlson's , which comes in oil, flavored oil for kids, and tablets.

Apparently, the Vitamin D affects female fertility as well. Read more at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/22/2397775.htm?section=australia

Interestingly enough, I read some information from the Weston A Price foundation that most traditional cultures had males and females eat special foods shortly after they were married b/c they considered these food important to the health of future children. Some of us barely change our diets for pregnancy. I wish I'd thought more about it BEFORE I had my children. :)

Just makes you wonder how many diseases and problems are avoided altogether with a good diet. Well, I'm betting (with my organic grocery dollars) that it's a lot. :)