Premium Member

American College of Healthcare Sciences, USA

Dorene Petersen, President

5940 SW Hood Avenue Portland, OR 97239 phone: (800) 487-8839

8 tips for spring allergy relief with natural remedies

(0)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Springtime allergies can put a damper on even the sunniest day. But—they don’t have to. If you’ve relied upon store-bought allergy medications in the past—and have been disappointed—this is the season for a more holistic approach to allergies.

Studies show that allergies are often a reaction to a combination of things. For many, budding spring plant life and pollen are irritants. But other, more hidden irritants include: food allergies, environmental irritants (such as, chemical-based cleaners, room sprays, and dryer sheets), and dust.

The good news: There are several alternative products and strategies you can use to sooth your allergies. The benefits: health tools like supplements, herbs, essential oils, and lifestyle modifications are natural, cost effective, and can work fairly quickly to bring relief.

Here are 8 tips for tackling your allergies naturally:

Incorporate native plants into your diet.
Eat 1-2 tablespoons of local, raw honey every morning.
Diffuse peppermint essential oil throughout your home and, or office.
Add fresh herbs to a hot bath and deeply breathe in the steam.
Take supplements, including: echinacea, goldenseal, and vitamin C.
Clean and dust regularly. You don’t have to use chemicals; a steam mop works great.
Exercise. Physical activity strengths the body and boosts immunity. Try to exercise outside in the early morning, before allergens kick up.
Facial massage is a simple way to relive pressure built-up in the sinus.

For more information about holistic nutrition or soothing allergies with homeopathic remedies, visit the Australasian College www.achs.edu.

flag

Planting at-home garden relieves stress, improves health and personal finances

(0)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

When tough economic times hit, our collective money belts cinch tighter and tighter. People stop looking for entertainment out of doors and hunker down for the at-home experience, including eating in.

Yet—there is a silver lining. Although the current economy may cause us to make the move from sidewalk café to sideboard jockey (for a while), there is much to gain along the way. Say hello to stress relief. It may sound counterintuitiv e—“I’m stressed because everyone is stressed, so I should be frugal and grocery shop and stay home and cook my own dinner.”

But, cooking—and by extension, growing your own food—is an age-old holistic health practice, which promotes relaxation by shifting your focus from mental worry to physical exertion. As anxiety chills, your immune system and cardiovascular systems work better (otherwise known as, “I feel good.”)

It’s a win-win. You feel better AND your wallet feels better, because GIY (grow-it-yourself) gardening gives you fresh vegetables at a fraction of the store-bought price.

How do you get started?

Seed starting. True, you can also save money with month-old plants from your local nursery or home-supply store, but why would you? Seeds are a fraction of the price and produce more of what you want—lots’o’veggies.

One of the best ways to seed start, according to Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw, is with a seedling heat mat. These mats are portable and lightweight (which means apartment friendly), and allow you to bottom water, minimize the risk of mold.

Seed starting, Yigzaw shared at the ACHS Organic Gardening workshop March 21, has several personal and health benefits:

It’s fun and easy.
Fresh, on-hand food.
You know where your food comes from (if you spend a little time researching your seeds and seed starting mix, you can be sure your food is organic, free of synthetic pesticide and chemicals).
Saves money.
Lengthens the growing season.

Start gardening...

Check the Farmer’s Almanac for your region to see when the last frost is scheduled to arrive.
Consult a gardening encyclopedia-type reference to see what veggies will grow best in your area. (In Oregon, the Oregon State University Master Gardener program is a good resource.)
Find your local, organic gardening store, where you can purchase your seeds, seedling starting mix, and seedling heat mat.
Read any and all instructions that come with your products.
When it is time to replant your seedlings into larger containers, re-use household materials like old plastic and/or ceramic planters, bowls, glasses, or tubs.
If you plan to transplant your veggies into larger plots, consult a local expert in advance. If you plan to build a container garden, the Gardener’s A-Z Guide to Growing Organic Food is a very user-friendly resource.

Tip: Make sure the container is large enough to avoid root-bound plants.
And, you will want to sterilize your containers in a 10% solution of bleach.

For questions about organic, at-home gardening, contact the OSU Master Gardeners or your local organization.

For information about personal nutrition, or holistic nutrition career training, contact the Australasian College of Health Sciences.

flag

How-to aromatic massage guide and recipes

(0)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Our sense of smell not only helps to protect us, it is also one of the ways we communicate. Therefore, blending smell with touch massage can create a very romantic and intimate experience.

CLICK HERE to download a free aromatherapy ambiance blend recipe.

To create a sensual atmosphere:
1. Create a private space.
2. Fill your space with your favorite colors and fabrics, including pillows and/or blankets.
3. Minimize outside noise.
4. Details: relaxing music, aromatherapy candles, and fresh flowers.

To enhance aromatic massage:
1. Diffuse the essential oil of your choice into the room (essential oils can also be added directly into massage oils and bath water; see the recipes below).
2. Focus on comfort and intent.
3. Communicate through all of your senses; don’t focus on conversation only.
4. Play. Laugh. Enjoy yourself.

Aromatic Massage Recipes

For massage, essential oils are best added into a base oil like jojoba, almond, or avocado.

1. Basic Massage Oil
Sweet almond oil: 4-oz
Rose Rosa damascena oil: 1-2-drops
Jasmine Jasmine grandiflorum: 1-2-drops

2. Rose Water Ointment
Sweet almond oil: 1-oz
Beeswax: ½-oz
Rose water: 7-oz
Rose Rosa damascena: 8-drops

Melt the beeswax and almond oil over a water bath. Remove from heat and cool until lukewarm. Beat in the rose water until the ointment emulsifies, and then add the 8-drops of rose essential oil.

Once relaxed head to toe, follow your sensuous massage with another sensory indulgence:

Chocolate, best shared by two.

1. Liquid Chocolate (makes four servings)*
3-T unsweetened cocoa powder
Stevia: 10-drops
Pinch of salt
3-cups 1% milk
½-t vanilla extract
Ice cubes

Instructions: Slowly warm the milk on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scalding. In a medium bowl, stir together the cocoa powder, Stevia, and salt. Slowly pour in 1-cup of the milk and whisk until smooth. Whisk in remaining 2-cups of the milk and vanilla. Fill four 8-oz mugs with Liquid Chocolate and serve warm.

For a taste of the exotic (and increased libido), add cinnamon to flavor, or add a few drops of rose essential oil.

CLICK HERE to learn more about aromatherapy for personal use.

*Recipe provided by ACHS graduate Maureen Jeanson, author of Squeaky Gourmet.

flag

Jobless and stressed? ACHS offers job-placement assistance

(0)

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

"At Australasian College of Health Sciences, a career change can be stress relieving," Elizabeth Grattan Teater writes in the Sunday, March 15, Learn On special section of the Oregonian.

"The college's new certificate in wellness consulting is already one of its most popular programs. Entrepreneur magazine calls wellness coaching one of the hottest career trends in 2009. The program costs $4,500 and can be completed in as little as four months.

"The holistic nutrition consulting and aromatherapy programs are also in demand.

"Where do graduates work? Some practice in holistic health clinics or develop programs for health care organizations like Kaiser. Some work as managers for nutrition departments in high-end grocery stores. Many are self-employed--creating natural body care products, for example."

"Sometimes when you face losing a job, you start to look at: 'What's important to me?'" says [ACHS President Dorene] Petersen. "Your life takes a turn for the better, and you start to live what you're learning."

Click here to request more information.

To learn more about wellness and nutrition consulting, aromatherapy, and holistic health programs offered by ACHS, go to www.achs.edu or call (800) 48-STUDY.

Click here to read the full-length Oregonian article.

flag

Certificate in Wellness Consulting: ACHS launches seven new career-oriented credential programs

(0)

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Australasian College of Health Sciences (ACHS) in Portland, Oregon, launches seven new career-oriented credential programs beginning January 2009. The College developed these one-of-a-kind programs to meet growing industry demand for accessible, holistic health career training. Specially designed to meet the needs of higher education’s fast-growing population—non-traditional students—ACHS now offers greater access to viable CAM-based careers and businesses.

CLICK HERE to request more information.

ACHS is the only DETC accredited, fully online college offering programs and degrees in Complementary Alternative Medicine available in the United States. To date, more than 60,000 students have used their ACHS, distance-learning education to build satisfying and sustainable careers. As alternative health continues to increase in visibility and desirability, the College will continue to develop course offerings and programs that service the needs of a growing profession.

History tells us that in times of national economic uncertainty, higher education is the go-to solution for professional re-tooling and development. Yet, today, many non-traditional students are unable to attend traditional, daytime classes. The increasingly viable solution is accredited, online education. Students who enroll in one of the Australasian College’s career-oriented credential programs: 1) receive accredited education for a sustainable career in the growing alternative health industry; 2) save money by minimizing transportation costs; 3) and can continue to work while completing their studies, because ACHS courses are available from any computer, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The College’s new career-oriented credential programs include: Certificate in Herbal Retail Management, Certificate in Natural Products Manufacturing, Certificate in Holistic Nutrition Consulting, Certificate in Iridology Consulting, Certificate in Homeopathy, Certificate in Dynamic Phytotherapy Consulting, and Certificate in Wellness Consulting.

Program graduates will prepare for careers in: alternative health consulting, health food retailing and management, herbal and aromatherapy product manufacturing, wellness and community education, holistic nutrition, professional health care continuing education, and more. Credential programs range from three to five courses, and could be completed in a minimal investment of one term with full-time, concurrent enrollment. VA funding will be available January 2009, which makes it easy for U.S. Armed Forces servicemembers, military spouses, and veterans to maximize their education benefits and invest in their future with a career in holistic health.

CLICK HERE to request more information. Or, call ACHS at (800) 487-8839 or visit www.achs.edu.

flag

March 26-29: ACHS at Better Living Show

(0)

Monday, March 16, 2009

The Northwest's Largest Sustainable Lifestyle Show

Visit ACHS at Booth #1006, March 27-29, Portland Expo Center

Live well and have fun doing it. Earth friendly products for you, your home, and garden. From cutting edge technologies and eco chic fashion to better energy efficiency and sustainable outdoor living, if it's green and it's beautiful—it will be there.

Visit with ACHS at booth # 1006. Because you care...

You get it: Green is the new ethos. Sustainability is the new word for livability. Balance and harmony are the new touchstones of healthy living.

You want to: Be a more thoughtful consumer. Make a lighter environmental footprint. Take a holistic approach to life. Do just one thing more for the planet.

The Better Living Show is free to attend and gives you access to local resources that will improve your life in six core areas: lifestyle, home/garden, food/beverage, transportation, clean tech, and conservation. Visit with ACHS, health and wellness experts, and other Portland business that can help you make more ecologically sustainable lifestyle choices.

For information about ACHS at the Better Living Show, call (503) 244-0726 or email admissions@achs.edu.

March 27 (noon-9 p.m.), March 28 (11 a.m.-9 p.m.), and March 29 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). Portland Expo Center, 2060 North Marine Drive.

For driving directions and a complete list of vendors, go to: http://www.betterlivingshow.org/index.asp

flag

Discover herbs 4-week course starts April 20

(0)

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Four-week Discover Courses are for anyone wanting to explore holistic health protocols. Courses are for general interest and provide key information, which will help you to begin to integrate holistic health into your life.

Discover Herbs will teach you: how to identify what makes herbs work; describe the concept of standardization; describe how to reduce dosages for certain groups; create herbal preparations; recognize and confidently use eight common herbs (chamomile, dandelion, horehound, and lavender; and cook with herbs, edible flowers, and weeds.

Discover Courses begin April 20, 2009. For full course descriptions, go to achs.edu and click on “Aromatherapy” or “Herbal Medicine” under Departments. To speak with your Admissions Advisor, call (800) 487-8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

flag

Discover aromatherapy 4-week course starts April 20

(0)

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Four-week Discover Courses are for anyone wanting to explore holistic health protocols. Courses are for general interest and provide key information, which will help you to begin to integrate holistic health into your life.

Discover Aromatherapy will teach you: the history and philosophy of aromatherapy; preparation and use of five essential oils and blends for yourself; and to understand and apply safety procedures when using essential oils

Discover Courses begin April 20, 2009. For full course descriptions, go to achs.edu and click on “Aromatherapy” or “Herbal Medicine” under Departments. To speak with your Admissions Advisor, call (800) 487-8839 or email admissions@achs.edu.

flag

March 21: Organic Gardening Workshop & Seed Swap

(0)

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Learn valuable tips to help increase your personal health and wellness at this organic gardening-themed ACHS Community Wellness Open House. Specific workshops include:

Spring Seed Starting (11 a.m.-noon): Learn how to start your seed garden just in time for spring planting. Led by Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw. Lecture followed by Q & A.

Organic Gardening (12-1 p.m.): So, you think you’d like to practice organic gardening, but you’re not sure what it’s all about? Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw will introduce the key concepts of organic gardening for the home gardener, including soil health, beneficial insects, and much more.

Organic Standards (1-2 p.m.): Join ACHS Master Herbalist Christina Suarez for a discussion about organic standards for processing botanicals, including the processing of organic botanicals from garden to teacup. Suarez, owner of The Good Herb Company, has a wealth of knowledge about organic standards and processing requirements.

Seed Swap (2-3 p.m.): Save money, preserve biodiversity, meet and exchange ideas with your community of local gardeners. The ACHS First Annual Seed Swap will be led by Oregon State University Extension Service Master Gardener Erika Yigzaw, who will talk about saving seeds, starting seeds, and transplanting seedlings. Weather permitting, Erika will also host demonstrations of direct sowing and transplanting seedlings in the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden. Prizes awarded. Bring your seeds to swap and a detailed information card. Please don’t bring items from the noxious weed list.

Open to the public. Space is limited. To reserve your seat, call (503) 244-0726 or email admissions@achs.edu. March 21, 2009. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Australasian College of Health Sciences, 5940 SW Hood Ave.

flag

March 11: Community Wellness Open House

(0)

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Learn valuable tips to help increase your personal health and wellness at the organic gardening-themed ACHS Community Wellness Open House. Specific workshops include:

Spring Seed Starting. Noon-1 p.m. Learn how to start your seed garden just in time for spring planting. Led by Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw.

Organic Gardening. 1-2 p.m. So, you think you'd like to practice organic gardening, but you're not sure what it's all about? Master Gardener and ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw will introduce the key concepts of organic gardening for the home gardener, including soil health and beneficial insects.

Organic Standards. 2-3 p.m. Join ACHS Master Herbalist Christina Suarez for a discussion about organic standards for processing botanicals, including the processing of organic botanicals from garden to teacup. Suarez, owner of The Good Herb Company, has a wealth of knowledge about organic standards and processing requirements.

Open to the public. Space is limited. $10 deposit holds your place for the day. Attend one lecture or all three. Deposit will be applied to any ACHS Apothecary Shoppe purchase. To reserve your seat, call (503) 244-0726 or email admissions@achs.edu.

March 11, 2009. Noon-3 p.m. Australasian College of Health Sciences, 5940 SW Hood Ave., Portland.

flag

‹‹ Previous12345Next ››

Recent Blog Posts