Ayurvedic Gemstone Therapy
By Jackie Christensen, BS, HHP, NC, MH
Faculty Member of GCNM
Modern science has recognized the use of gems in devices, such as computers, watches, and lasers. However, their ability to balance human emotions and restore health to the wearer has not yet been acknowledged by Western medicine. Throughout history, many cultures have sought to uncover the healing abilities that lay within the crystalline structures of gemstones. The basic theory is that gemstones carry vibrational rates and are transmitters of electromagnetic energy. By placing gems within the aura, your aura’s vibrational rates will change to match those of the gems. Because gems absorb and reflect different frequencies of light they can create a protective field around the body and enhance a particular energy that is needed or block harmful rays that could affect the wearer.
Ancient Ayurvedic researchers have tried and tested the healing properties of gems, for thousands of years and found that different stones create different effects in the human body. It has also been discovered that particular gems have vibrations that are associated with corresponding planets. These gems have varying wavelengths and can absorb and reflect the planetary vibration it is associated with. One method to increase your energy levels and ward off disease is to wear gems specifically suited for you. Ayurvedic doctors will consult a patient’s Jyotish chart (Vedic astrological horoscope) and recommend particular gems for the client to wear. The chosen gemstones should be of good quality, flawless, not less than two carats, and worn in contact with the skin in order to bring about changes in the mind and body. Metal surrounding gemstones will block their energy, so it’s important that the gemstone not be surrounded by metal as in the case of certain jewelry designs, nor should they be placed on a metal plate or container. Gemstones should also be natural and not altered with dyes and can be purified by regularly placing them in salt water for two days.
In addition to advising that a client to wear a particular gemstone, an Ayurvedic doctor may recommend special Ayurvedic preparations, such as a bhasma or a gem tincture. A bhasma is a remedy in which gems are burnt into ash. This removes their harmful effects, enabling them to be ingested. Traditionally, gems go through the long process of being crushed and/or burnt to make ash. Then they are ingested either alone or mixed with herbs. Gem ash (bhasma) is more costly than herbs, but the healing response time is much quicker. Currently, they are not imported into the United States due to the lack of understanding of their safety. Gem tinctures are prepared similar to herb tinctures. Gems are soaked for varying lengths of time in a 50% to 100% alcohol solution. Diamonds or sapphires (hard gems) are soaked from one full moon to the next full moon (one month). Opaque stones − pearls, coral (soft stones) − are soaked for shorter time periods or in weaker solutions. Gem waters can also be made by placing the natural gems in water overnight and then drinking the water.
There are many ways to use healing gemstones, but it’s important to understand that gemstones are natural sources of energy and you do not really have to do anything elaborate to obtain the energies. You simply wear gemstones around your neck, carry them close to your body, or place them throughout your house.
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Book Review
Get A Grip On Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders
By Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe
Lorna Vanderhaeghe is a medical journalist with over 20 years of research and writing experience. She has authored books including Healthy Immunity: Scientifically Proven Natural Treatments for Conditions from A-Z, The Body Sense Diet, and has co-authored The Immune System Cure which has been published in six countries and translated to French, Dutch and German, as well as being the co-author of Healthy Fats for Healthy Life and No More HRT: Menopause Treat the Cause.
In her book, Get A Grip On Arthritis, she describes how inflammation is our body’s first defense response against infection, however when it becomes chronic it causes many seemingly unrelated health conditions such as heart attacks, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and even psoriasis. Lorna very intelligently provides us with precise information on the causes of inflammation and on how to amend our diets, and the common natural remedies, including herbal remedies and supplements that have been proven in reducing painful symptoms and ending the cycle of these sometimes life-threatening disorders.
With a preface written by Michael Murray, ND, this book is a very credible source of education, and for understanding there are natural ways to find relief from inflammatory diseases.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from these conditions or has friends or family members who are afflicted. I have personally provided many copies to clients and the willing volunteers who allowed me to prepare case studies for them while I was studying for my Nutritional Consultant certification with GCNM. It provided them with the information to make important life changes, empowered them to take responsibility for their own health and to see that there really is a way out of the suffering that did not require dependency on prescription drugs, undoing the long held belief that inflammatory conditions were a form of life sentence for suffering.
Common inflammatory conditions which we have previously thought to be incurable, but which there is now much evidence showing we can avoid or reverse through lifestyle choices are listed in alphabetical order throughout the book. Allergies, Arthritis, Asthma, Bowel Diseases, Eczema, Fibromyalgia, Gingivitis, Gout, Heart Disease, Joint, Muscle and Tendon injuries, Psoriasis, Reynaud’s Disease, Scleroderma, Jorgen’s syndrome, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are all covered in detail.
The causes and key agents of inflammation, as well as the typically prescribed conventional treatments and their adverse effects are describe in an easy to understand language so one does not need a degree in biochemistry to get a lot out of this very informative little book.
The causes noted are primarily lifestyle issues including smoking, stress, certain foods, obesity, plus a few that are difficult to avoid in our modern world, such as environmental toxins, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Lorna tells us that our bodies lose their ability to "shut-off" the biological inflammatory process. Our ability weakens as we age, and because we are living longer than those we are descended from this may be a contributing factor in the increasing incidence of inflammatory disorders.
The foods we choose to consume either promote or prevent inflammation. Eggs, organ meats, beef, and dairy products promote inflammation due to their Arachidonic acid content. Arachidonic acid metabolically breaks down into inflammatory compounds, the hormones, prostaglandins and leukotrines, which control inflammatory mechanisms, constrict blood vessels and promote clotting of our blood. Further, over cooked and fried foods, foods cooked at high temperatures, such as barbequed, trigger inflammatory responses in our bodies by creating AGES (advanced glycation end products) which are produced when protein binds to glucose molecules causing damaged proteins. Immune cells secrete large amounts of cytokines as they try to break down the AGES, resulting in arthritis, heart disease, cataracts, memory loss, wrinkled skin and diabetes complications. It really makes you want to avoid those barbeques and fried foods doesn’t it?
What can we do about this? Well, it is completely within our power to choose; simply eating a minimum of six servings of vegetables and one of fruit per day is effective. The best food choices are those with the lowest GI (glycemic index rating), specifically those foods with a rating of 60 or less are best, as they break down into glucose more slowly and therefore they calm the inflammatory process down. Eating moderate amounts of free-range chicken and plenty of fresh fish is recommended. Avoiding all processed foods, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats is essential. Lorna believes all processed foods should be labeled "Warning inflammation will occur if you eat this" and I totally agree with her.
Other lifestyle factors that contribute to inflammation are eating too much and carrying an extra twenty pounds of body weight, specifically fat cells which act like immune cells and produce histamines and cytokines, so more fat cells equals more inflammation. Poor sleep is a factor because higher amounts of cytokines are produced in those who suffer from insomnia. In fact, restorative sleep is a major factor in reducing inflammation. Auto-immune and rheumatoid arthritis suffers are familiar with this as they lose sleep due to pain which then causes more flare-ups and therefore more pain.
Key agents of inflammation are noted as over-activity of the immune system. When Histamine is released the blood vessels open wider which causes the allergic reactions. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a cytokine produced by the Macrophages of the immune system, induces fever to slow down a virus or bacteria, signaling other immune cells to over-react. IL-1 is associated with arthritis and Alzheimer’s and also breaks down collagen and connective tissue. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is another product of the Macrophages which signals the immune system to produce antibodies to identify and fight off these bacteria or viruses if they reoccur. IL-6 is associated with autoimmune disorders and allergies, in particular psoriasis where it makes the skin cells reproduce abnormally. It also makes auto-antibodies which destroy tissues, organs and joints. IL-1 and IL-6 are indicated as risk factors in Alzheimer’s. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is also secreted by the immune systems Macrophages to trigger fever and inflammation. Prostaglandins are hormone-like lipids formed when Arachidonic acid breaks down, promoting pain, swelling and redness. Cyclooxygenase (Cox-1 and Cox-2) enzymes aid in the production of prostaglandins. Cox-1 enzymes are healing, but Cox-2 enzymes worsen the effects of histamines. C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver in inflammatory responses. When levels reach above 3.0mg/L, the risk factor for heart attacks is about three times higher than in individuals with levels of less than .05 mg/L. High blood levels of CRP are also a risk factor for cancer and macular degeneration. High levels of IL-6 and CRP are indicators of a risk for Type-2 Diabetes.
Natural remedies described include Boswellia, which is an extract of the Boswellia serrata tree, Celadrin. which is patented blend of essential fatty acids and is available in cream or soft gel form, Chondrotin Sulphate, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Devil’s Claw, which is an herbal folk remedy from Namibia, Essential Fatty Acids in particular Omega-3s, Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), Fish oils, in particular EPA and DHA, Glucosamine Sulphate, Green Lipped Mussel Extract, MSM, White Willow Bark, and last but not the least, Water and Exercise.
Reviewed By Moira Khouri NC, MH, HHP, CCP
Faculty Member of GCNM
Motivational Tips
Exercise of the Month
Exercise Description:
Lat Pull-down with a band
Area Targeted:Lats (Back)
Instructions:
Begin the exercise by sitting down on a chair or bench. Make sure you are sitting up tall and straight. Grip the band with hands shoulder distance apart and knuckles facing towards you. With hands gripping the band, raise arms straight up with elbows slightly bent. Slowly bend elbows to stretch band and pull hands apart. Bring hands back above the head to repeat as necessary. **Make sure that as you bend your elbows that you keep them pointed directly to each ones side. Do not let the elbows point forward or backwards.
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How to Defeat a Lack of Motivation
by: Tj Philpott
One of the most common factors keeping people from succeeding is a lack of motivation. As horrible as this may sound it is true. How many times have you ’meant‘ or ’wanted‘ to do something that never got done? And how many of those times were related to lacking the ’proper‘ motivation? Exactly! Our ability to achieve success at anything is directly related to our motivational level. And make no mistake this motivation comes from within!
Let’s look at a 5 step process you’ll want to employ to maintain your motivation in any type of undertaking you may choose:
ESTABLISH GOALS
You’ll first need to establish a ’roadmap‘ as to how you will get to where it is you want to go. Whether you want to start a business or get in shape, setting goals is much like laying out the stepping stones to keep you on the right track. Each step should take you closer to the completion or accomplishment of your chosen task. Goal setting is perhaps THE most important step you can take to maintain the proper direction and motivation you’ll need. As you systematically achieve your goals one by one, the sense of accomplishment you feel will motivate you to continue moving forward.
BE ACCOUNTABLE to YOUR GOALS
When you set your goals it is a good idea to share them with people who are supportive of you. The interest and support of others will benefit you in two ways. Their interest will help keep you accountable to your goals thru their genuine inquiries as to your progress. Their support for you to achieve success will help keep you motivated.
Be cautious of and try to avoid people who are negative minded. They will undermine both your confidence and your motivation.
TAKE ACTION
You’ve set your goals and determined your plan of action but this is only good if you take action. A dream is only just that until you actually act upon it. A consistent effort towards the fulfillment of this dream is required. Consider your goals checkpoints in the course of your progress. As each is met your motivation should become stronger propelling you onward to accomplish the next goal.
REMIND YOURSELF of RESULTING BENEFITS
Allow yourself to imagine and experience the benefits you’ll receive resulting from the efforts you are putting forth. After setting goals it is quite natural to remind oneself as to why they were set in the first place. If the benefits are great enough, and they should be, this will help keep you motivated to achieve your goals.
Remember your motivation comes from within and that ultimately it is up to you to maintain it.
STAY on COURSE
Your goal setting is much like charting your course but like many journeys there are roadblocks and potholes we must navigate. New information may come to your attention which may alter your course and this is normal. Be open to it and seek it out. You are simply ’deepening‘ your education which is good and will serve you well in the future. Your only concern is that your final destination is not altered.
If a lack of motivation is what is holding you back from accomplishing many tasks you are not alone. As common as this is this ’chronic disease‘ can be overcome by following this 5 step process we discussed here today. Suppose you want to start a business, improve your health, or find a better job. With the right motivation and action plan your chance to achieve success at just about anything increase dramatically. Isn’t it time you start getting what you want?
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About The Author
TJ Philpott is an author and Internet entrepreneur based out of North Carolina.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Search online for values in the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
