HEALING WATERS

I feel that most disease is caused by stress, environmental factors, and an imbalance in the emotions. What is stress...but a feeling of Dis-Ease.

To heal ourselves, we must re-enter our bodies and honor them. We must resist the temptation to always place the body and its needs last. I want to awaken that still, small, wise, intuitive voice in all of us, the voice of our own bodies...which we have been forced to ignore through our culture's illness, misinformation, and dysfunction.Trusting the wisdom of the body is a leap of faith for us, as women, in this culture.                                                                          Christine Northrup, M.D.

The idea of healing mind, body, and soul in the bath is not a new concept. In fact, few knew how to do it better than the ancient Romans. When I lived in Colorado the hot springs were my very favorite outdoor activity. Now...I must settle for a tub! What can a long soak in a hot bath do for you???? For one thing, simply locking the bathroom door and enjoying 20 minutes of solitude while immersed in soothing warm can calm the mind and balance the emotions. Most people are in such a hurry...they opt for that 5 minute shower...rush, rush, rush...Slow down and make time for yourself. A hot bath just before bed can put insomnia to sleep. There are many health benefits to be gained from hot baths, such as easing muscle strain, relieving arthritis, increasing circulation, and eliminating impurities through the skin. And if this was not reason enough...a hot soak will also increase your metabolism...so no need to worry about that piece of chocolate cake after dinner. Go indulge in another dessert...the bath. I have made bathing my evening ritual...A very wise, old, woman used to tell me as a child...There is nothing so bad that a good hot bath won't cure! And she was so right.

GIFTS from the SEA

Sea salts and Seaweed...Salts particularly those from the Dead Sea, contain the highest mineral concentration of any other substance on our Planet. Very high in potassium and magnesium, which help retain moisture and yield great anti- inflammatory properties. Algae and Seaweed are rich in minerals and amino acids, which also increase circulation and encourage new cell growth. I try to only use seaweed soap...which is available at health food stores. Dead Sea salts are a little pricey...so most of the time I use Epsom Salts with a few drops of essential oil.

Essential oils possess great healing properties, they can affect your mood by thier soothing aroma therapuetic qualities. I usually add them to a carrier oil, such as Sweet Almond or Jojoba and make my own bath oil. Add the oil while the water is running and right before getting into the tub...because the aroma can dissipate quickly. You can also tie herbs into cheese cloth and make your own bath tea bags to float in your bath. Lavender is very good for relaxing. And if you need a pick me up...opt for the Citrus scents or peppermint. Ginger is very good for sore muscles, as is Eucalyptus. And for romance, I use either Jasmine, Patchouli, or Jasmine.

Please excuse me while I go slip into something more comfortable...my BATH TUB!

Even though, I am deeply hurt and saddened by terrible happenings in my personal life right now...I choose to radiate love and healing to myself and others....Blessed Be, Brenda Hammick