Tuesday, April 21, 2009
If your health is a top priority in your life and the economy is preventing you from keeping up with wellness treatments there are many practices that don’t cost a thing to maintain your health. Acupuncture and Massage Therapy are just 2 branches to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meditation, Movement (exercise), Nutrition, Herbal Therapy, and Feng Shui are other practices that you can include in your life that cost only your time.
Meditation can help keep your mind calm. There is a saying, "What you think about, you bring about." The path to disease starts with a single mutated cell. The path to healing starts with a single healthy cell. Healing is simple, it’s our thoughts that can sometimes make the road to balance complex. Using positive affirmations throughout the day is an easy way to consciously keep the mind healthy thus influencing the body. Try saying “My body feels strong and balanced, I have an infinite supply of energy.” It might feel silly at first, eventually you will believe that your body is strong and balanced and your energy level will increase. Watch for the subtlest of changes.
Nutrition is just about the easiest way to keep the body healthiest and also the hardest. The old adage is true, “You are what you eat.” With a clearer mind you might be able to pick up on subtler clues that your body is giving you through the cravings you have. When the body is in balance it will seek out healthier food choices. What do you eat? The middle path is paramount to nutrition. If you deprive yourself of everything you love it makes it much easier to fall off the wagon. Treat yourself to a “naughty” food once a week. While eating it make sure to savor every last crumb. The Chinese would argue that cooked foods are easiest to digest. The best place to start is to choose foods that are alive and locally grown, get rid of processed and boxed foods. Try to eat at home as much as possible. As you incorporate more whole foods into your life you might start to notice your “naughty” foods don’t taste as yummy as they used to.
Move you body anyway that is fun to you! Exercise is a dirty word to many people. The body is meant to move and is happiest when it’s moving. Digestion, elimination, sleep, energy levels, and mood are all affected by moving. Get your heart rate up and experience the benefits. Traditionally Yoga and Tai Chi are great practices that are gentle on the body. Start by just moving your body however it feels good. This will instill a new trust in your body’s needs and you will start to hear what your body is telling you.
Feeling stuck? Trouble sleeping? Clean out your closet. The art of feng shui is keeping your household set up so that energy can run smoothly throughout your home. Get rid of the clutter. “Clean house, Clean mind!”
Start a journal and make note of the simple things you are doing to maintain your wellness. In a month, take a look back and see how all those little things add up big time! Send us an email and let us know how great you are feeling @ info@wholehealthprograms.com and receive $20 off your next acupuncture session. If these economic times have hit you hard and you are in need of some health care join us monthly at St. Emily’s church for community acupuncture treatments. Go to www.wholehealthprograms.com for more details. Check back for more articles that go in to more depth on ways to stay healthy!