tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43903749226248008532024-03-12T20:44:32.648-07:00Pure Wellness for an Organic Spa Lifestyle by Radha at Samadhi Ayurveda a Spa for WellnessMy intention with this Blog is to create a buzz around the concept of PURITY, WELLNESS, SPA, and AYURVEDA in our lives. What do these words mean to you? In this blog I will review spa services and organic body care products, give ayurvedic tips for health, and other wellness suggestions for creating your pure life.Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-42628164301757417802010-07-23T12:05:00.001-07:002010-07-23T12:05:54.794-07:00Naturopathica Review<meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/radhacrawley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <link href="file://localhost/Users/radhacrawley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_editdata.mso" rel="Edit-Time-Data"></link> <style>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Naturopathica Starter Kit Normal/Dry Skin Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">By Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurveda Educator</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/TEnnsVXbnCI/AAAAAAAAADs/BqYMRvB27xs/s1600/Naturo+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/TEnnsVXbnCI/AAAAAAAAADs/BqYMRvB27xs/s400/Naturo+pic.png" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>This kit contains: <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b>Chamomile Cleansing Milk (1 oz) </b><i>EcoCert*<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b>Oat Facial Polish (.5 oz)<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b>Rose Geranium Soothing Mist (1 oz) </b><i>EcoCert*</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><b>Beech Tree & Ginseng Daily Moisturizer (1 oz) </b><i>EcoCert*</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">*ECOCERT </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: 115%;">(source: Organic Spa Magazine)</span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <a href="http://www.ecocert.com/"><i><span style="color: #39769d; font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none;">www.ecocert.com</span></i></a></span></b><span style="color: #575858; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><i><span style="color: #575858; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 115%;">Certification Type: Natural and Natural/ Organic<o:p></o:p></span></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #575858; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 115%;">EcoCert requires a minimum of 95 percent natural origin as a baseline entry and a minimum of 5 percent organic content for the “Natural” standard, and a minimum of 10 percent organic content for the “Natural / Organic” standard. Up to 5 percent of ingredients can be synthetic. Limited synthetic preservatives are allowed. Water can be included in its calculation of organic content. Country of Origin: France Business Type: Profit</span><b><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This kit contains four products to cleanse, exfoliate, fortify and nourish. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><i>The Chamomile Cleansing Milk</i></b> is soft and like the title suggests, milky. The aroma is soft and slightly sweet, like chamomile and rose. This cleanser is very gentle and leaves the skin soft and dewy. I read the ingredients on the insert, which is a very long list, and wondered about the purity of some of them. As the EcoCert description states, the manufacturer can use up to 5% synthetic ingredients. The label from this product states that 98.99% of ingredients are from natural origin. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> There are many beneficial botanicals in the products, which I can commend. Naturopathica has a full ingredient glossary on their website, so you can read about each. I would also recommend doing your own research on any questionable additives, perhaps: Coco-G<span style="font-size: 11pt;">luocoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sucrose Cocoate, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Lauryl Gluoside, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Dehdroacetic Acid</span>. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Oat Facial Scrub</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is not EcoCert. This is very similar in consistency to the Chamomile Cleansing Milk, but thicker. There are beads of jojoba for a very mild exfoliation. Personally, my skin “builds up” faster and I prefer a stronger exfoliant 2-3 times per week. The Oat and Facial Scrub you could use daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I quickly became fond of the scent of the <i><b>Rose Geranium Soothing Mist</b></i>. The aromatherapy blend is delightful to the senses, calming and balancing. It contains: Aloe, Rose Geranium Flower Water, Rose Geranium and Ylang Ylang essential oil, and then, in my opinion, some less desirable dispersants and stabilizers: Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Anisate, Sodium Levulinate. 100% of ingredients are from natural origin.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>The Beech Tree and Ginseng Daily Moisturizer</b></i> is light and fast absorbing. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You can find these products in spas around the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">www.naturopathica.com<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in;"><br />
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</div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-48811782034737896442010-07-17T00:30:00.000-07:002010-07-17T00:30:14.301-07:00InspirationWhere does my inspiration come from?<br />
I had the pleasure of attending a week long Ayurveda bodywork course taught by a Dr from South India, Dr Hari. He has a wealth of experience, kindness and stories to boot. My favorite stories are the ones describing in detail the wild things that happen daily in India. Monks hiking into the Himalayas searching for enlightened beings and when found, have seen their eyes, and third eyes glowing in the night.<br />
I received and gave many body treatments that week wearing a loin cloth, a new experience for me... it is good to feel the naturalness of the body, exposed and vulnerable, yes, but in a way it exposes a part of us that is too closed anyway... byt this could be a whole post in itself....<br />
<br />
I left this workshop remembering my TRUE SELF. The reason I sought out natural health and healing and really why I moved to Sedona.... to practice and work with Ayurveda.<br />
The feeling I feel when I am coated in medicinal smelling sesame oil and herbal pastes. The craving for spices, chai and lime on everything. This is what I want to share with you....<br />
<b>a vessel for you to find that which makes passion ooze from your every pore...</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">namaste' friend.<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/TEFbORXF8VI/AAAAAAAAADc/gTnHe_-5DPM/s1600/DSCN1016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/TEFbORXF8VI/AAAAAAAAADc/gTnHe_-5DPM/s320/DSCN1016.JPG" /></a></div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-69303394604623183002010-05-24T10:34:00.000-07:002010-05-24T10:34:29.569-07:00Purity and Sensual Pleasure found in the Organic Body and Massage Oils by WoodSprite Organic Body.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_q3Xjfv-KI/AAAAAAAAADM/VzNNzqeJGAk/s1600/MOGRPMD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_q3Xjfv-KI/AAAAAAAAADM/VzNNzqeJGAk/s320/MOGRPMD.jpg" /></a></div><meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/radhacrawley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">I am a massage therapist and so when I come across a good oil, I am pleased. Well folks, I am pleased! It is so important to nourish our clients and our own skin with oils that are of the highest purity. Massage Oil does more than just moisturize our skin. It allows for a gentle detoxification of the body by absorbing into the blood stream and dislodging toxins so they can be eliminated from the body. The oils aid in digestion, they protect our skin from the elements, and they provide <i>snehana</i>, a Sanskrit word for oil therapy or LOVE therapy. Oil is a form of love, true pure love. Choosing a pure and organic oil to give a massage is like choosing a golden carriage to carry a loved one. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The WoodSprite Organic Oils are a collection of pure and light nut and fruit oils that are easy for the skin to absorb with a smooth glide for massage and bodywork. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The Lavender Organic Body and Massage Oil is the perfect match for easing stress, anxiety and quieting the mind after a long day. The Organic Lavender essential oil is full of juicy, flowery middle notes.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Try the Grapefruit Mint Oil for a refreshing and uplifting massage after your morning shower or as a detoxifying and analgesic massage oil choice in the spa. The first time I tried this oil I was pleasantly surprised by the coolness imparted to my skin by the peppermint oil, just enough to lend a gentle alertness.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Ginger Glow Botanical Oil is perfect for enhancing circulation in the skin and muscles, perfect anytime of year and especially in the fall and winter seasons. Ginger Glow has essential oils of Bergamot, Organic Lavender, Ginger, Clove, Allspice, Lime, Grapefruit, Chamomile ,Ylang Ylang and Cassia. YUM! A very balanced blend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_q3dyqiZaI/AAAAAAAAADU/vj55fmb_wQ4/s1600/sabblg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_q3dyqiZaI/AAAAAAAAADU/vj55fmb_wQ4/s400/sabblg.jpg" width="297" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ahhhhh, The Sacred Collection. These oils have 100% organic base oils of sesame, sunflower, sweet almond and macadamia nut. These oils are of medium weight and are filled with sacred resins and essential oils to enhance spiritual and emotional health. The blends come in scents beautifully named Zen, Bliss and Spirit. Perfect for all purists searching for inner peace. I would recommend using these oils along with energy work, marma therapy, head massage, lomi lomi, and any bodywork that offers a spiritual side. </div><div class="MsoNormal">These oils all come in retail and professional sizes for back bar at the spa and wellness clinic. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Please visit <a href="http://www.woodspriteorganicbody.com/">www.woodspriteorganicbody.com</a> for more information</b></i><br />
</div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-48043688679165230842010-05-22T12:13:00.000-07:002010-05-22T12:13:11.032-07:00Looking for a refreshing and cooling summer treatment for your Spa or home? Here it is! Coconut Lime Refreshing Body Treatment from WoodSprite Organics<div style="text-align: center;">This is part of a series of reviews I am doing for The Spa Buzz,<a href="http://www.thespabuzz.com/"> www.thespabuzz.com</a>, as their Organic Products Expert, Enjoy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_gpMZF4dDI/AAAAAAAAAC8/rx0J5RxI8DY/s1600/SGCLLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_gpMZF4dDI/AAAAAAAAAC8/rx0J5RxI8DY/s320/SGCLLG.jpg" width="312" /></a></div> <meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 2008" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/radhacrawley/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">This treatment uses Coconut Lime Sugar Polish which has Virgin Coconut oil that’s smell will bring you straight to the tropics, mixed with rich Mango Butter, perfect for your sun-parched skin and Cold Pressed key Lime essential oil to balance your temperature and your mood. Immediately upon opening this jar I was drooling. It literally smells like you should be eating it! I have never been a fan of sugar scrubs before this one. I loved the way the finer crystal sugar slowly dissolves as you are exfoliating your skin feeling less abrasive and more nuturing. In Ayurveda summer is the season of fire (pitta) and so care needs to be taken to cool and calm the body mind. It is said that Coconut oil is the best oil to cool and nourish the mind, body and spirit in the summer and one should use this oil daily for self-massage or Abhyanga. Using this sugar polish in the shower at home or vichy in the spa, is a great way to refresh your mind and cool your body for the heat of the summer! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Look at the pure ingredients: *Organic Raw Sugar, *Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, *Organic Sunflower Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Mango Butter, Key Lime Peel Pure Essential Oil and Vitamin E. (*Certified Organic) Vegan.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The entire protocol also includes a hydrotherapy portion using Coconut Lime Milk Bath or Coconut Fizzing Bath Bomb, rehydration and a wrap using Coconut Lime Whipped Organic Coconut Body Butter, Divine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_gsLzfWPiI/AAAAAAAAADE/J1umEk_Yzl8/s1600/WoodSpriteOrganicBody.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/S_gsLzfWPiI/AAAAAAAAADE/J1umEk_Yzl8/s320/WoodSpriteOrganicBody.gif" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">www.woodspriteorganicbody.com</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-71749780635536960182010-05-22T11:07:00.000-07:002010-05-22T11:07:05.111-07:00Truly Green Body care and why we should demand purity in the Spa IndustryIt is so important that we as consumers, and spa professionals know exactly what is in the products we promote and literally spread on thousands of bodies in our homes and establishments daily. Our skin “eats” everything we put onto it, and at a time when cancer and so many other auto-immune diseases are increasing, I cannot see a better time to become deeply aware of the difference between truly green, pure and organic products and products with greenwashing marketing schemes. <br />
<br />
The word Organic is such a buzz word today, what does it mean? I have had the luxury to have lived in an Organic farming community in Wisconsin for the past 10 years and witness firsthand the care and consciousness that goes into such work. Organic farmers work WITH nature, not against it. They feed the soil with compost adding nutrients to the soil, which directly translates to the nutrients the crops have that grow in the soil. Ever hear Organic food has more vitamins and minerals in it? This is why. Naturally the added vitamins and enhanced herbal extracts carries over to more effective organic body care product as well. <br />
<br />
I have seen organic apples orchards use pigs to root around the trees keeping all of the weeds out of the orchard and eating the fallen fruit that would rot anyway, leaving their waste to fertilize the trees. Seems a lot more balanced to me than spraying toxins over the trees and fruit leaving dead strips of grass in the rows beneath. A part of me wonders how the trees can live while the grass and weeds are getting exterminated. I know there is a scientific reason for this, but intuitively it seems wrong. <br />
<br />
In organic farming there are no chemicals, pesticides, antibiotics, or artificial anything. This means the earth is happier, or bodies are happier and the future generations are left a planet that is happier. There are strict organic certification processes that safeguard this industry from it getting “greenwashed” or compromised in anyway. If you find a company that is claiming organic on their label, look for the white and green USDA ORGANIC label to assure its quality and integrity. You can also look for the third party certification such as OCI, MOSA or other. However, I will say there are more than a handful of smaller, superior body care companies who are using organic ingredients and have not obtained certification for one reason or another. Confusing, I know. Here is where you must scour the label and ingredients list, inquire directly to the company about the certification and/or avoid the product. Some of my very favorite body care companies are not certified, but have the utmost integrity and consciousness surrounding organics and pure products.<br />
<br />
The spa industry is a healing one, a place people come to escape the stress and toxins of daily life. It is so important at this time when our industry is growing at rates no other industry can compare, that we maintain the integrity of true health. This health includes PURITY from organics, and this purity comes from awareness. Educate yourself; find out what is REALLY in your body care line.<br />
<br />
More information can be found at:<br />
<br />
www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare<br />
www.cosmeticsdatabase.comRadha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-48246640075142496282010-03-24T16:26:00.000-07:002010-03-24T18:59:03.471-07:00Kapha Season ReadinessGreetings to all reading this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/product_images/e/067/81230101039_00080_front__21242_zoom.jpg" width="426" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/">www.toddsmithphotography.com</a></div><br />
<br />
Prepare yourselves, we are in Kapha season! This is when the atmosphere is saturated with the elements of Earth and Water. Even here in the dry desert of Sedona we have cool and wet weather. This is the energy that allows the plants to fill up with prana before they burst forth in late Spring.<br />
<br />
The qualities of this season are:<br />
<ul><li>heavy ( imbalancing tendency: don't want to do yoga, or movement at all, how about sleep??)</li>
<li>moist (mucous anyone?)</li>
<li>stable (even stuck, think earth+water = mud)</li>
<li>cold and cool </li>
</ul>In order to promote balance this season we apply the opposite qualities through the food we eat, activities we participate in and thoughts we think.<br />
<ul><li>light </li>
<li>warm </li>
<li>flowing (think circulation increasing)</li>
<li>dry (less oils and fats in diet)</li>
</ul>examples: smaller meals with the last meal and food taken before 7pm, bed before 11pm, rise 1 hour before sunrise, brisk walks and cardiovascular exercise, lessen sweet taste, sour and salty tastes.<br />
<br />
Ideal foods for Spring are as follows: <br />
<ul><li>barley</li>
<li>asparagus</li>
<li>dry fruits</li>
<li>alfalfa sprouts</li>
<li>bean sprouts</li>
<li>brussel sprouts</li>
<li>carrots</li>
<li>cauliflower</li>
<li>celery</li>
<li>chilies (with care if you are Pitta, can cause aggravation)</li>
<li>collard greens</li>
<li>dandelion greens</li>
<li>green beans</li>
<li>kale</li>
<li>mustard greens</li>
<li>spinach</li>
<li>radishes</li>
<li>watercress</li>
<li>honey (if doing sweet, this is best, BUT NOT COOKED!)</li>
<li>ghee in small amounts</li>
<li>cumin</li>
<li>black pepper</li>
<li>tumeric</li>
<li>clove</li>
<li>saffron</li>
<li>rosemary</li>
<li>thyme</li>
<li>basil</li>
<li>coriander</li>
</ul>Reduce dairy and avoid ice cream.<br />
<br />
Spring is the best season for detoxification, gently and with care. Here are a few simple things you can do at home for detox this season:<br />
<ul><li> <b style="color: black;"><i>Warm oil self massage</i></b>; treat yourself to this amazing ritual which aids in loosening toxins deep within the body, loosening them and bringing them to the digestive tract to be eliminated. Use Kapha Oil, <a href="http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/prodinfo.asp?number=3371&variation=&aitem=11&mitem=26">buy kapha oil here</a>, and start with the feet and ankles, circular motions on the joints and straight up and down on the limbs. Massage all the way to your head, ending with a nice head massage. Stay warm for 10 minutes allowing oil to penetrate. Follow with warm bath or shower, do not soap off the oil.</li>
<li><b><i>Dry body Brushing</i></b>; this stimulates circulation and increases lymph system which in turn boosts your immune system</li>
<li><i><b>Light meals for 3-7 days,</b></i> oats and peeled apples in the morning with whole clove, powdered cinnamon and cardamon, split mung and barley kitchari (click here for: <a href="http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/kitchari_recipe.htm">kitchari recipe</a>) for lunch and vegetable soup for dinner. Avoid sugar, caffeine, dairy (except ghee) leftovers and processed foods. Herbal teas such as ginger and peppermint are great. </li>
<li> <b><i>Detoxification formula: Triphala</i></b>, three fruits of amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki, is a formula that you can take to assist you in regulating and aiding in regular bowel movements, which is key to remove the toxins we have loosened and brought to the intestinal tract in the above processes. <a href="http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/prodinfo.asp?number=7502&variation=&aitem=111&mitem=127">buy Triphala here</a>. 1/2 tsp in warm water before bed</li>
</ul>Hope this gives you a spring in your step!<br />
Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation to go further with your wellness!<br />
<br />
Blissings<br />
Radha<br />
<br />
radhacrawley@gmail.comRadha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-52474948962055740402009-12-12T12:19:00.000-08:002009-12-12T12:19:34.414-08:0040 days to greater inner peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SyPyf2U5Q1I/AAAAAAAAACo/uLXVd6f4Orw/s1600-h/100_2552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SyPyf2U5Q1I/AAAAAAAAACo/uLXVd6f4Orw/s400/100_2552.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you know that scientists have measured the synapses in the human brain and discovered we think an average of 40,000-90,000 thoughts in ONE DAY! Yikes..... Add on top of that all of the outside stimulus, the car radio, magazines, newspapers, musak in stores, TV, internet, this blog ;), for me, my girls constantly talking to me... we are inundated with information and stimulus all the time...<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where do we get SPACE to not think??... to have epiphanies, to have source tell us what way to go, our intuition to be heard? What is our life purpose? Who am I?<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Well, let me share with you, many of you already know this method, but hopefully this will validate and encourage you on your path.... meditation will help you find the peace it takes to allow these answers to unfold.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PLUS, meditation has been proven to lower blood pressure, increase the immune system, reduce depression, and decrease stress levels and stress hormones in the body.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who wouldn't want less stress this time of year? Anytime really? I could do without my mind playing its usual tricks on me.... <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a great way to start or continue a meditation practice knowing that you are held by all of the other thousands of people across the globe committing too... Winter Feast for The Soul.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.winterfeastforthesoul.com/">click here to find out more about this FREE committment to Inner Peace</a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="quote">"What nine months does for the embryo<br />
Forty early mornings will do<br />
For your growing awareness" </span><br />
<span class="quoteAuthor">Jelaluddin Rumi</span></i></b></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="quoteAuthor"><span style="font-size: small;">Join</span></span></i></b><span class="quoteAuthor"><span style="font-size: small;"> me with many other folks in this project... January 15, 2010</span></span><b><i><span class="quoteAuthor">- </span></i></b><span class="quoteAuthor"><span style="font-size: small;">Febrauary 23, 2010</span></span></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="quoteAuthor"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyday for these 40 days, 40 minutes of meditation practice....</span></span></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="quoteAuthor"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SyP4A18KBJI/AAAAAAAAACw/1Sg9__Urx30/s1600-h/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SyP4A18KBJI/AAAAAAAAACw/1Sg9__Urx30/s400/IMG_0125.JPG" /></a><i>photo credit to Lisa O'Connor</i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My daily practice will look like this:<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Awake at 7am<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">drink a glass of room temperature water <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wash my face, scrape tounge and brush teeth<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apply few drops of nasya oil in nose <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">sit on meditation cushion, light candle and stick of sandalwood, or frankincense and myrrh incense<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">apply small amount of sandalwood essential oil (<a href="http://www.floracopeia.com/zen-cart/specialtyoils-c-12/sandalwoodoilnewcaledonia-p-166?zenid=0473c255eb52ad5be0fd5465e8df2eff">Source for sustainable sandalwood: Floracopeia Aromatherapy </a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">to third eye chakra/ajna marma to calm and pacify the mind<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> meditate for 40 minutes.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">please let me know if you are joining me and how your experience goes...<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="quoteAuthor"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="quoteAuthor"><br />
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</div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-55315208590039444562009-11-05T08:44:00.000-08:002009-11-05T20:45:45.515-08:00Living in Sedona<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400668186511679346" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SvMHGgbIH3I/AAAAAAAAACU/Ye4g3dKVP-0/s320/tsmith_090711_2109_1.6.JPG" style="display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
</div>As many of you know, I am now living in Sedona, Az. What a beautiful place!<br />
<br />
<br />
Ayurvedically speaking it is full of air, ether, and fire from the sun. This climate is so different from where I was in Wisconsin, I am really having to reconstruct my diet and daily routines to find balance in my full Pitta nature.<br />
I am bringing this up so we can talk about how climate and seasons affect our doshas, or essential nature. In Wisconsin my body was cold and my circulation was slowing so I was increasing ginger, black pepper, and other warming foods into my diet, this was good as the fire season had passed when summer was over.<br />
<br />
In Sedona, air, ether and fire are present and so the first two days I was here my lips were bright red from the fire/sun/heat, it has been 80 everyday! I am going back to a bit of my pitta pacifying diet, increasing cilantro, coconut, lime, zucchini, rose petal tea and kale. Ooohh to balance the air and ether I am eating avocados, and cooking with ghee, clarified butter made by my yogi husband, Aaron. Doing daily Abhyanga, self massage, with Pitta pacifying oils such as organic coconut and organic sunflower oils helps too.<br />
I have heard it will cool off a bit, into the 60's, so at that time I may consider ginger teas and organic sesame oil Abhyanga.<br />
<br />
So basically Ayurveda gives us the tools to constantly assess ourselves and our current balance point so that we can alter our lifestyle and diet to find peace in our bodies, emotions and ultimately our spirit. This is especially important to remember when traveling, under stress and when the seasons are changing.....<br />
<br />
Here's to your Samadhi!<br />
<br />
Samadhi: oneness with ultimate peace<br />
<br />
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">the beautiful lotus blossom picture was taken by a dear friend photographer of mine,<br />
Todd Smith. This photograph, along with many more thought-provoking pictures, can be purchased at <a href="http://www.toddsmithphotography.com/">www.toddsmithphotography.com</a><br />
</div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-18758673014518045282009-10-12T12:42:00.001-07:002009-10-12T13:08:19.236-07:00International Spa Conference post bliss<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/StOLg7ErtKI/AAAAAAAAACM/Ds04AsDhgSk/s1600-h/DSCN0221.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/StOLg7ErtKI/AAAAAAAAACM/Ds04AsDhgSk/s320/DSCN0221.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391806576622023842" border="0" /></a> an ISPA smile from Austin to you....<br /><br />I must say there is something magical that happens when many like-minded people come together to share in a common interest.... and may I say, when the interest is SPA, the experience is taken to a whole new level! My days were filled with many new friends including the woman I met the very first day, Tracy. The ironic detail of our meeting was that she is from Sedona, and well, we are moving to Sedona in 2 weeks! Magic Happens!<br /><br /><br />As I review my notes and begin to try many of the beautiful offerings from the health and body care products I received, I will keep you updated. <br /><br />Here are a few gems for you:<br /><br />From the session SILK, Service in Loving Kindness by Holly Steil<br /><br />"If you want to walk on water, you MUST get out of the boat" "Making a difference in someones life is walking on water"<br /><br />"The greatest leaders are the greatest servants"<br /><br />List your greatest gifts, your talents. Contemplate how your gifts can help you reach your life goals.....<br /><br />__________________________________________________________________<br />From Ram Charan, speaker to many Fortune 500 companies<br /><br />Yes, unemployment levels are up to 10%, however, that means that 90% of the people have income from jobs and need your services, look for ways to serve the 90%. (my personal interpretation here is be an optimist!!)<br /><br />_________________________________________________________________<br />From Bertice Berry, PhD<br /><br />"When you walk with purpose, you collide with destiny"<br />_________________________________________________________________<br /><br />Check out this Holistic Organic Skin Food body care line. Delicious, PURE and so far, my skin feels great!!<br />Dr Alkaitis www.alkaitis.com<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/StOK69KoZZI/AAAAAAAAACE/aRKM_OpXgY0/s1600-h/alkaitis"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 141px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/StOK69KoZZI/AAAAAAAAACE/aRKM_OpXgY0/s320/alkaitis" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391805924348814738" border="0" /></a>To radiate and shine with an inner glow, your internal and external body must be in perfect health and harmony. Additionally, your skin care products do not only affect the way you look but also, the way you feel – inside and out. Your skin is the largest organ of the body, reflecting our states of vitality. Caring for it is not merely a quest towards superficial beauty, but an integral investment towards preventive health self-care.</p> <p>As a research scientist investigating cancer treatments using plant life, Dr. Alkaitis concludes that there is indeed a correlation between our society's dependence on synthetic chemicals and the rapid increase in people suffering from cancer, disease and other degenerative illnesses. In probing the ingredient labels on products in the marketplace that are marked: 'pure' and/or 'natural' cosmetics, he discovered that these supposedly 'pure' products were actually constructed, derived, created from chemicals. Chemical-derived natural products do not support your skin's natural ability to heal.</p> <p>Applying the synergy of science and nature, Dr. Alkaitis has created the Alkaitis Holistic Organic Skin Treatment Product line. These <strong>authentic</strong> natural products are steps towards your pure approach to beauty that is 'more than skin deep'. He discovered that only organically-grown plants or those harvested from the unpolluted wilderness contain the superior therapeutic properties. For you, this discovery means that each and every one of the Dr. Alkaitis skin care products are created exclusively via organically grown or wild-crafted plants and unpolluted sea life. Our herbal extracts are made in-house with pure water, certified organic grape alcohol and/or vegetable glycerins. To preserve the healing power of our products, we blend only small batches at a time. Simply pure and natural.</p> <p style="font-size: 1.1em;"><em>All life springs from the Earth and within this truth is the foundation of Dr. Alkaitis Skin Care.</em></p><p style="font-size: 1.1em;"><em>____________________________________________________________<br /></em></p><p style="font-size: 1.1em;"><em><br /></em></p> <p> </p>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-88525476043064604512009-10-03T17:35:00.001-07:002009-10-03T17:40:53.658-07:00I am at the International Spa Conference in Austin TXHello all you spa and natural lifestyle lovers!<br />You will be happy to know that I am in Austin, TX at the International Spa Conference and will be taking notes on industry happenings, scoping products and talking with other wellness experts about how to bring wellness back home and spread it far and wide.<br /><br />Stay tuned for details on products, speakers and much more!!Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-21423442523984077172009-10-03T17:31:00.000-07:002009-10-04T09:44:38.931-07:00Why you SHOULD eliminate nightshades from your diet.<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Dr. Lisa Raskin from Austin Tx has been kind enough to put together her presentation on nightshades. This is very important for everyone to read so I am sending it out to all of you. It is quite detailed so please take time to read it carefully. Please also feel free to spread it far and wide with proper credit where credit is due. Dr. Raskin can be contacted at <a href="mailto:lraskindc@yahoo.com" target="_blank">lraskindc@yahoo.com</a> if you have any further question or would like to make an appointment with her. For those of you who are doctors who want to attack the veracity of Dr. Raskin's research, please do so to me not to her and if you do please include all references to articles and scientific research. If you do not it will be assumed that it is your personal opinion only and i won't be able to pass it along. Removing nightshades from your diet will probably be one of the best things you could possibly do for your long term health.</span></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style=";font-family:'Bradley Hand ITC';color:navy;" ><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Dr. Lisa Raskin</span></span></b></span></p> <div><span style=";font-family:";" ><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><wbr><wbr><wbr></span></span></b></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" ><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">2525 Wallingwood Drive <a href="mailto:LRaskinDC@gmail.com" target="_blank">LRaskinDC@gmail.com</a></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" ><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Suite 901 TX Chiropractic Lic# 8376 </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" ><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Austin, Texas 78746 512-698-3902 </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:navy;" ><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Notes from nightshades presentation given on September 28</span></span><sup><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">th</span></span></sup><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">, 2009, Victory Day, during Vaidya R.K. Mishra’s Global Conference call on “SVAHAR or Life in Bliss through SVA Health”<br /><br />Note from Dr. Raskin: I want to be clear that this was just a short review of the literature on the negative effects of eating<br />nightshades. Vaidya Mishra asked me to find some western knowledge that backed up the traditional knowledge from<br />Vaidya's Shaka Vansya lineage. If you do reproduce this article, I ask that you do not remove, add or change anything.<br />Thank you.)<br /><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></b></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /><br />We know according to Vaidya's tradition, that the nightshades tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers and eggplant affect the vibrational and physical channels in very negative ways.<br /><br />It turns out that they are part of a very huge family of plants containing about 2000 species. The main culprit seems to be a type of chemical compound called alkaloids. There is one type of alkaloid that causes the most trouble and that is called Solanine. Solanine is a neurotoxin. Nightshades contain at least 6 OTHER neurotoxins, including atropine and nicotine. One of them is scopolamine which depresses the central nervous system and is used as a sedative, and in the famous 'date-rape' drugs.<br /><br />Each of the neurotoxins in the nightshades affects humans differently. We know through Vaidya how awful nicotine is, because it shrinks the vibrational channels and its connection to cancer is well-known. Science has found that nicotine causes a short-term increase in blood pressure, heart rate and the flow of blood from the heart. And it also causes the arteries to narrow. Nicotine is extremely addictive. Another neurotoxin in nightshades is atropine, a blocker preventing nerve transmission. The other three are powerful acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors that prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters needed for proper nerve function. Which means the neurotransmitters get stuck in the synapse, preventing nerve transmission and function.<br /><br />These alkaloids that are found in nightshades help protect them from insects, so they are basically pesticides! Some potatoes are actually bred just to make pesticides....they are made into dust and spread over plants.<br /><br />A little bit about the strange history of how nightshades became foods. Most are actually more famous as drug-type substances than as foods. The best-known are mandrake (which were thought to contain evil spirits), tobacco, and belladonna, which is also known as 'deadly nightshade'. Tomatoes, green peppers, eggplant and potatoes were only ornamentals and not thought of as edibles until the 1800's. Tomatoes had their beginnings in South America and were actually eaten by the ancient Aztecs, but weren't introduced to Europe until the 1800's. So that means that Italy didn't have pasta sauce until the 1800's!<br /><br />Now, before potatoes were introduced as a food, the peasant classes actually identified them as being poisonous. It was easy for them to tell because the flowers of the Deadly Nightshade (belladonna) plant and the flowers of the potato plant are so similar. Legend has it that Sir Walter Raleigh gave the potato plant to Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) as a gift. And then some aristocrats were invited to a huge banquet that featured potatoes in every course. The cooks, who had never seen potatoes before, discarded the potatoes and boiled the highly poisonous stems and leaves, which quickly made everyone very ill. The potatoes were banned from court, and given to the Irish!<br /><br />Eggplant was actually called "The Mad Apple". In the Mediterranean area eggplant was thought to cause insanity if eaten daily for a month. A few spoonfuls of eggplant contain the same amount of nicotine as sitting in a closed room with a light smoker for three hours!<br /><br /></span></span> <span style="color:black;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Now I'm going to tell you a little bit of what happens in the body when we eat nightshade veggies. There seems to be two types of nightshade poisoning, acute and chronic. Acute poisoning can happen from green or sprouted potatoes and tomatoes because they have so much more solanine. The symptoms can be cramps, diarrhea, dizziness and sleepiness. For many people these short term effects are even more intense, such as chronic migraine headaches, dizziness, intestinal disturbance, and 'food poisoning' like symptoms, which many people don't connect with nightshade plants such as potatoes.<br /><br />But it's the chronic, slow onset symptoms that are even worse, because the effects of chronic solanine poisoning can be anything from IBS, joint pain, appendicitis, birth defects (including spina bifida), depression, endocrine suppression, especially thyroid, arthritis in all its forms, increased intestinal permeability, migraines, osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and interference in the absorption of calcium (up to 80%), iron, and vitamin D.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br />How does this happen?</span></span> </span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> Solanine has been found to do some very powerful things that disrupt the biochemistry of the body.<br /><br />The first thing that it does, as I mentioned before, is that, like pesticides and nerve gas, it blocks the activity of an enzyme in nerve cells called acetyl cholinesterase. Without this enzyme, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine builds up in synapses, the junction between nerves, and creates a blockage of flow. This blockage of the flow of acetylcholine can have some very negative effects. In an overdose, it can affect our control of muscle movements, leading to muscle twitching, trembling, paralyzed breathing or even convulsions. Even though the solanine in one single potato isn't strong enough to cause such a huge effect, it turns out that it builds up in our tissues over time AND the body is very slow to break it down. It's not water soluble, and is not destroyed by cooking. It takes the body 1 to 2 1/2 months to get rid of the solanine from just one potato. It usually builds up in the smooth muscles and organs such as the intestines, heart, lungs, and endocrine system, mostly in the thyroid. Harmful effects may take years and years to appear. It might be the 10,000th baked potato with salsa on top that takes a person over the edge and makes them symptomatic. The good news here is that with total avoidance it only takes 4-5 months to excrete all your solanine, and symptom relief can be much faster.<br /><br />OK so Solanine is a neurotoxin. But there is more.<br /><br />The other thing that solanine does is that it seems to cause joint damage and inflammation. Many people experience stiff joints, painful wrists, ankles and knees. Researchers think that these nightshades cause excessive LOSS of Calcium from the bone and excessive DEPOSITS of calcium into soft tissue. Dr. Michael Liebowitz, a chiropractor who has given us many testing techniques and knowledge in the fields of dysbiosis, food and chemical sensitivities, started researching nightshades, especially solanine, when he stopped eating them and his chronic joint pain and dysbiosis improved. </span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">He says that solanine basically takes calcium out of bone and deposits it wherever it feels like, leading to side effects including heart disease, arthritides, and osteoporosis. What he discovered is that if you have a patient who is doing everything positive about bone mass (the right vitamins, minerals, exercise, lifestyle, etc), and they are eating nightshades, the solanine in the nightshades sabotages EVERYTHING that they are doing and that patient will NOT gain bone mass. He found in his patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia, that as long as they ate nightshades, all supplements were worthless. The nightshades just cancelled out all the positive effects of anything they did.<br /><br />Solanine is a cell disruptor (which means it causes the cell to rupture), and so it attacks the lining of the stomach and intestines as well. Many people who have been diagnosed with intestinal disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn's, and the common treatments have never worked, have become symptom free just by avoiding nightshades. It has even been shown as a cause for appendicitis.<br /><br />Solanine is a true poison. Extracts of nightshades are now being used as a rat poison. When Dr. Liebowitz tried to get a sample of Solanine from a chemical supply, the company was very hesitant to sell it because it is such a strong poison. He finally paid $95.00 to receive only 5 mg which had been extracted from a potato. There was a huge skull and crossbones on the jar!<br /><br />What's interesting to me is that the symptoms of solanine intake have been well known since the 1800's and we have done nothing about taking them off the market as food. Potato breeders have tried to keep the solanine content of potatoes low. But no studies have been done that determine safe levels of nightshade plants. None. People eat them and are not made IMMEDIATELY sick, so it was assumed, and still is, that nightshades are safe. They do not look at the chronic effects. And to make things worse, the solanine content in potatoes increases under light. Under grocery store lights, the amount of solanine can exceed the safe limits by 9 times within 24 hours. Potatoes used to be sold in burlap bags to keep them from being exposed to light, but now they are out in the open in supermarkets, or in transparent plastic bags.<br /><br />There has been a popular belief, approved by the FDA, that the antioxidants in tomatoes can prevent prostate cancer. But the most recent study not only failed to prove this, they found that the men who had high blood levels of beta carotenes (those who might have eaten lots of tomato products) had the MOST AGGRESSIVE form of prostate cancer!<br /><span style=";font-family:'Lucida Fax';font-size:medium;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><span style=";font-family:'Lucida Fax';font-size:medium;" ><span style=";font-family:Arial;color:black;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">When I started doing research on the nightshades I was surprised to find out that there seemed to be only one 'hard' scientist studying the role of nightshade in poor health. His name is Dr. Norman Childers of Rutgers University. I subsequently ordered his books and he is amazing. He deserves credit because HE is the one who has really brought the subject of nightshade poisoning to the attention of the public. It is only because of his work in the 70's that the connection between nightshades and poor health are well known. Now he currently has data on over 50,000 subjects in his almost 40 year study who have been on the no-nightshades diet and they have recovered completely or shown great improvement, some leaving canes, walkers, and wheelchairs</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">. (His website has a great deal of information and some of his research. (<a href="http://noarthritis.com/" target="_blank">http://noarthritis.com/</a>)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br />Dr. Childers is convinced that the poisonous effects of nightshades are far more extensive than joint and gut problems. He feels their negative effects are systemic and all-inclusive and could be causing such afflictions as Alzheimer's and Cancer. The tomato used to be called 'the cancer apple'. He says "The nightshade plants, when found in pastures, are ruinous to livestock. If a cow were to graze in a field of nightshades, in a short time they wouldn't be able to walk anymore. Farmers have known this for over 100 years and today those plants are…. destroyed before they can cause any harm to the animals. The nightshades are subtly and eventually ruinous to us...and we die ten to 30 or more years early." </span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Dr. Childers says that some day scientists will take note but says, like tobacco, people are addicted to these foods and would rather look the other way!<br /><br />What is so amazing to me that Vaidya's tradition, thousands of years ago, knew these vegetables were poisonous. We are truly so fortunate to be students of this tradition.</span></span> <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">References</span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Childers, N.F. Cancer-my experience. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">The Arthritis Nightshades Research Foundation. </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><a href="http://noarthritis.com/cancer_and_nightshades" target="_blank">Noarthritis.com/cancer_and_<wbr>nightshades</a></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Childers, N.F. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Childers’s diet to stop arthritis, The nightshades and ill health</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">. (1981). Somerville, NJ: Somerset Press.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Childers, N.F. & Russo, G. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">The Nightshades and health. (1977</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">). Somerville, NJ: Somerset Press.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Childers, N.F. Nightshades – The number one health problem. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">The Arthritis Nightshades </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> Research Foundation. </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.noarthritis.com/the_number_one_health_problem" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Noarthritis.com/the_number_<wbr>one_health_problem</span></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Childers, N. Ph.D and.Margoles, M.S. M.D. (1993). An apparent relation of nightshades (Solanaceae) to Arthritis. </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Journal of Neurological and Orthopedic Medical Surgery</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">, 12:227-231.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Fowler, M. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Nightshade free pain free</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">. (2007). LaVergne, TN: Grass Fire Media,</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Liebowitz, M. & Wilson, J. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Treating the complex patient 2009</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> [Videotapes]: Scottsdale.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Mateijian, G. What are nightshades and in which foods are they found? </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Newsletter for The World’s Healthiest Foods </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> Foundation. </span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><a href="http://whfoods.com/genpage.php?pfriendly=1&tname=george&dbid=6" target="_blank">http://whfoods.com/genpage.<wbr>php?pfriendly=1&tname=george&<wbr>dbid=6</a></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></i></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Peters, U. & Leitzmann, M. & Chatterjee, N. & Wang, Yinghui & Albanes, D. & Gelmann, P. et al. (2007). Serum</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> lycopene, other carotenoids, and prostate cancer risk: a nested case-control study in the prostate, lung, colorectal, </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> and ovarian cancer screening trial. </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Cancer</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">, 16:962-968.</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Researchers refute lycopene benefits, find association between beta-carotene and aggressive prostate cancer. (2007) </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"></span></span></span></div> <span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center News.</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.fhcrc.org/about/pubs/center_news/2007/june/art3.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">fhcrc.org/about/pubs/center_<wbr>news/2007/june/art3.html</span></span></a></span>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-16994215815620456062009-08-12T06:41:00.000-07:002009-08-12T07:25:39.139-07:00Hello sweet ayurveds and man it's hot! (finally!)Well, my friends this summer has been an amazing diversity of beauty and chaos. My sweet house is still up for sale, my life a bit in question.... and then, I got an amazing offer.... the kind that made tme think god/goddess/universe has ACTUALLY been listening to my prayers. I may have clarity about my immediate future very, very soon.... so, for now I will spare you the details and get on with the summer care portion of this blog....<br /><br />It's hot I am crabby, what to do????<br />From an ayurvedic perspective this is the peak of Pitta season. It can be very aggravating and irritating time if one is out of balance.... I am going to share with you some tips to bring love, joy, playfullness and bliss back into your summer...<br /><br />Please eat these foods:<br /><ul><li>CILANTRO</li><li>COCONUT, in the form of chutneys, young coconut, coconut water, coconut bliss ice cream</li><li>LIME, squeeze over all veggies, squeeze into room temperature water with a leaf of mint</li><li>RAW SUGAR, yes the sweet taste is perfect for this hot time of year</li><li>TAMARIND, can be hard to find... but is excellent for scraping the channels and leaving you ama-free!</li><li>PROTEIN, paneer, split mung beans, keep that pitta fire under control</li><li>DARK LEAFY GREENS, kale especially.....</li><li>SUMMER SQUASH, sweet and juicy, rich in soma (nuturing, lunar, pacifying vibes)</li><li>all things sweet, bitter and astringent</li><li>GHEE</li></ul><p>Please AVOID: these foods aggravate, are acidic and close channels so prana can not flow correctly through the body... nightshades have nicotine which is addicting and a central nervous sytem stimulant which over time can exhaust your immune system and ultimately bring you away from the bliss you are seeking!</p><ul><li>TOMATOES</li><li>POTATOES</li><li>GARLIC</li><li>ONIONS</li><li>SPICY PEPPERS</li><li>SALTY FOODS</li><li>SOUR FOODS</li><li>ALCOHOL (if you must water it down and avoid red wine, it is VERY heating)</li></ul><p>Other tips:</p><ul><li>self massage with coconut oil, you can also add essential oils of: rose to open the heart, vetiver (very cooling and mentioned in ancient texts), sandalwood and lavender.</li><li>sleep out or take a walk under the cool moon light</li><li>only exercise in early morning before sunrise, keep exercise mellow, not too vigorous or pitta will become aggravated (swimming in non chlorinated water is best)</li><li>drink cool water with organic rose petals in</li><li>a small amount of clove will detoxify and open channels so prana can flow</li></ul><p>overall LOVE LOVE LOVE and play play play....</p><p></p>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-50811160231588404702009-06-07T14:09:00.000-07:002009-06-07T14:29:13.137-07:00Ch Ch Ch Changes....Hello Everyone,<br /><br />I am offering many specials this week at Samadhi Spa and Wellness because I am leaving Saturday June 14th for Door County, WI.<br />I have accepted a summer job at Lavender Spa in Egg Harbor, Door County, WI. Please come visit me!<br />www.lavenderspaeggharbor.com<br /><br />Specials:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 161, 12);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><div style="color: rgb(161, 176, 94);font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:18pt;"><span style="color: rgb(161, 176, 94);font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-size:6;"><span style="font-family:French Script MT,Bradley Hand ITC,Monotype Corsiva,Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Head to Toe Bliss</span></span><br /></span><br /></div> <span>This 90 minute treatment is designed to nourish your summer skin, relax your mind and body, refresh your spirit and honor those hard working feet!<br />Bliss is awaiting you in the form of an aromatherapy full body and head massage,herbal foot soak, peppermint foot scrub and reflexology treatment.<br />Leave with an extra bounce in your step!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >90 minutes for $75</span> (you save $35)<br /><br /></span></span><span><span style="color: rgb(204, 161, 12);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span><span style="color: rgb(204, 161, 12);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(161, 176, 94);font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:180%;" > </span><span style=";font-family:French Script MT,Bradley Hand ITC,Monotype Corsiva,Times New Roman,Times,serif;font-size:180%;" >Therapeutic Spa Massage</span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 161, 12);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >A session where you will naturally ease into relaxation while you are breathing fully and allowing your mind to unwind. Enjoy a blend of warm Ayurvedically -balanced oils, Aromatherapy, biodynamic flower essence oils, healing touch, Lomi Lomi, steamed towels and Swedish massage as your senses delight in bliss.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">SPECIAL</span>: 75 min for $60</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> or 100 min $85</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 161, 12);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><div style="color: rgb(161, 176, 94);font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:18pt;"><span style="color: rgb(161, 176, 94);font-family:Arial Narrow,Arial MT Condensed Light,sans-serif;font-size:100%;" >Ayurvedic Bliss Treatment<br /><br />This 120 minute treatment includes an Abhyanga and Shirodhara.<br /></span></div> <span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ayurvedic Hot Oil Massage (Abhyanga)</span><br />Warm, herbal infused oil is gently massaged into<br />skin using rhythmical, lymphatic strokes. The<br />skin is nourished and rejuvenated by the specialized<br />oils. Finish feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and<br />deeply relaxed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shirodhara</span><br />Warm herbal oil is gently poured between the<br />eyebrows and across forehead encouraging deep,<br />transformative relaxation while allowing the mind<br />to unravel and a meditative state to unfold. Hair<br />and scalp deeply nourished by herbal infused and<br />balancing oils. Great for those suffering from headaches,<br />anxiety, stress, or depression.<br /></span> <br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">120 minutes $133<br /><br />Please call me soon!<br />608 632 1325<br /></span></span></span>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-4059311059050038622009-05-08T08:34:00.000-07:002009-05-26T10:17:13.393-07:00Ayurveda and TransformationAs I sit here contemplating next weeks class (in case you didn't know, Aaron and I are teaching a Monday evening series on Ayurveda) I received an email... It was entitled "Fear of Transformation"<br />I read it and WOW. This story explains exactly where I have been dwelling the past 6 months or more- flying through the air <span style="font-weight: bold;">in between </span>the trapeze bars that swing us through life... you know these bars, they are the seemingly "safe" places we dwell in "security" while we remain the same, eat the same food, have the same thoughts, talk to the same people, attend the same classes OR no classes, drive the same route to work and school... YIKES. I have been unknowingly suspended in the air between these trapeze bars wondering what and when the next bar will come into view...<br /><br />Well, the bar showed up.... it said "teach this class, or else", it said, "do not eat tomatoes this summer;) it said "keep your faith radha, ahhhhll is well" a bar that says, BE PRESENT, BE IN YOUR LIGHT, RESPOND WITH WISDOM. It is AYURVEDA.<br /><br />We are so blessed to be given the gift of Ayurveda in this life. We have been blessed because we have been given the gift to embrace change...to fly through the air between the seemingly stable bars of life with support. I believe this support to be the healing science of Ayurveda.<br />The science that understands when it is time to eat a different food, think a different way, smile at a stranger... this is the science of LIFE. Full, unabridged, uncensored BLISSFUL life....<br /><br />Please join me.....<br /><br />OH, if you want to read the full story on the trapeze bars, check it:<br /><br /><div id=":7w" class="ii gt"><div style=""><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">from CD in AB again. I like this because it is so real. </span></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:12;" ><i><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Fear of Transformation</span></span></i></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:12;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Danaan Parry</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Sometimes I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. I'm either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along or, for a few moments in my life, I'm hurtling across space in between trapeze bars. I spend most of the time hanging on for dear life to my trapeze-bar-of-the- moment. It carries me along at a certain steady rate of swing and I have the feeling that I'm in control of my life. I know most of the right questions and even some of the right answers. But once in a while, as I'm merrily (or not so merrily) swinging along, I look ahead of me into the distance, and what do I see? I see another trapeze bar swinging toward me. It's empty, and I know, in that place that knows, that this new trapeze bar has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth; my aliveness coming to get me. In my heart-of-hearts I know that for me to grow, I must release my grip on the present, well-known bar to move to the new one.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">Each time it happens to me, I hope that I won't have to grab the new one. But in that knowing place I know I must totally release my grasp on the old bar, and for some moment in time hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new one. Each time, I am filled with terror. It doesn't matter that in all my previous hurtles across the void of unknowing, I have always made it. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that I will be crushed on the unseen rocks in the bottomless chasm between the bars. But I do it anyway. Perhaps this is the essence of what the mystics call the faith experience. No guarantees, no net, no insurance policy, but you do it anyway because somehow, to keep hanging onto that old bar is no longer on the list of alternatives. And so for an eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes, I soar across the dark void of "the past is gone, the future is not yet here." It's called transition. I have come to believe that this is the place where real change occurs.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">I have noticed that, in our culture, this transition zone is looked upon as a "no-thing", a no-place between places. Sure the old trapeze-bar was real, and that new one coming towards me, I hope that's real too. But the void in between? That's just a scary, confusing, disorienting "nowhere" that must be gotten through as fast and unconsciously as possible. What a waste! I have a sneaking suspicion that the transition zone is the only real thing, and the bars are illusions we dream up, to avoid where the real change, the real growth occurs for us. Whether or not my hunch is true, it remains that the transition zones in our lives are incredibly rich places. They should be honored, even savored. Yes, with all the pain and fear and feelings of being out-of-control that can (but not necessarily) accompany transitions, they are still the most alive, most growth-filled, passionate, expansive moments in our lives.</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:14;">And so, transformation of fear may have nothing to do with making fear go away, but rather with giving ourselves permission to "hang-out" in the transition between trapeze bars. Transforming our need to grab that new bar, any bar, is allowing ourselves to dwell in the place where change happens. It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening, in the true sense of the word. Hurtling through the void, we just may learn how to fly.</span></span></span></div> </div></div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-62091161986316799282009-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:002009-04-30T09:39:48.246-07:00Ayurvedic Series UnderwayThank you to the students at the Monday evening series on Ayurveda. Last weeks class we talked about the history of the science of life, the doshas, the elements and the qualities. We also discussed how wellness and disease manifest. At the end of the class we even dappled into taking our pulse and seeing which dosha is strongest...<br /><br />I am so thankful that I am able to share my love for wellness through Ayurveda with all of you...<br /><br />Next weeks class on the Bliss Cleanse will be equally full. Compiling the notes I am realizing I must teach a 4 week course on Ayurvedic Nutrition and Cooking!! Stay tuned!!<br /><br />Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.<br />radharanilove@gmail.com<br /><br />LOVE!Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-3338624812886189842009-04-22T10:46:00.000-07:002009-04-22T10:48:14.741-07:00SPA: IT’S A LIFESTYLE, NOT A LUXURY<span class="lcorner"><span class="rcorner"></span></span><br /><div class="c2-c3"><div class="contentHolder"><div class="contentHolder"> <h3>from www.experienceispa.com<br /></h3> <div class="containerBodyContent"> <div class="containerBody"> <p class="date">4/21/2009</p> <p> LEXINGTON, Ky. - Enough is enough! For far too long, we've allowed the message of spa to be about luxury and pampering; caviar facials and champagne baths; an experience only to be had by the rich and famous. All the while consumers have been telling us the No. 1 reason they spa is to relax and relieve/reduce stress. Consumers are looking for wellness, for ways to live a balanced life - and spas are about living your <u>best</u> life! <br /><br />"Spas are not about luxury - they're about re-charging your battery, taking time to re-new, and learning how to take care of yourself," said ISPA President Lynne McNees. "Spas are about health, reducing stress and aging gracefully. The key is to take the information you learn at the spa, and incorporate it into your daily routine at home."<br /><br /><strong>From the 2008 ISPA Global Consumer Study:</strong> </p> <ul type="disc"><li>The No.1 reason people around the world spa is to relax and relieve/reduce stress.</li><li>In 11 of the 15 countries surveyed, overall wellness and health was one of the top three reasons consumers spa.</li><li>In eight of the 15 countries surveyed, healthcare practitioner recommendation was one of the top three motivators for visiting a spa. </li></ul> <p> More than just tried-and-true treatments like massage and facial, the spa is the place to go to educate yourself on how to live a healthy well-balanced life: teens can learn how to care for their skin, moms can learn to cook healthy meals and guys can find out how to deal with all that pent up stress.<br /><br />"With so many spas going above and beyond, there's no reason not to spa," said McNees. "Our ISPA member spas are focusing on wellness, by offering information on the healthy benefits of spa, including healthy living articles in monthly newsletters, adding fitness classes, educational workshops, and developing programs focused on regular maintenance, and not pricy pampering."<br /><br /><strong>About the International SPA Association</strong><br />ISPA is recognized worldwide as the leading professional organization and voice of the spa industry. Founded in 1991, ISPA advances the spa industry by providing invaluable educational and networking opportunities, promoting the value of the spa experience and speaking as the authoritative voice to foster professionalism and growth. More details on ISPA are available on <a href="http://www.experienceispa.com/">http://www.experienceispa.com/</a>. </p></div></div></div></div></div>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-57997246111404431132009-04-19T17:33:00.000-07:002009-04-19T18:06:30.915-07:00Blissful Spring Cleansing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SevKSO1BO1I/AAAAAAAAAB8/nZu1jcKsmPs/s1600-h/tsmith_090330_4951_r1.6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/SevKSO1BO1I/AAAAAAAAAB8/nZu1jcKsmPs/s320/tsmith_090330_4951_r1.6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326573398862674770" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> photo by Todd Smith of www.toddsmithphotography.com<br /></span><br />I had the great fortune to listen in to a conference call with my Ayurvedic teacher, Vaidya RK Mishra on the topic of Spring Detox. What a treasure.<br /><br />I discovered that in Spring, vasant in sanskrit, nature is coaxing us into detoxification just by introducing warmth in the atmosphere... basically what happens is this: the channels (srotas: physical channels, nadis: vibrational channels) of our body that carry prana, blood, oxygen, toxins (oops) and more to our organs and systems of the body, literally freeze in the winter. When this happens all of the prana, toxins ect get stuck in the channels. Ick! When the weather starts to warm the channels expand and allowing everything to move and circulate, thus spring colds, mucous, allergies, ect (from the toxins). Funny thing is, you can sick in spring even if you are following agood routine, getting enough sleep, drinking pure water, ect...<br /><br />Remedy: Give our bodies some help by aiding in the detox of the channels. This will be of great benefit to your overall health and vibrance.<br />How you ask?<br /><ul><li>drink plenty of warm, not hot, spring water daily</li></ul><ul><li>get 8 hours of sleep per night</li></ul><ul><li>increase the amount of time you exercise (note: it is important that you only exercise by using up to 50% of your energy. How do you know when you have reached this point?? by your breath. When you notice you need to breathe through your mouth, it is time to stop. Breathing through the mouth increases adrenaline and the flight or flight stress response. Not exactly healthy or balancing for your body to be put in this stress state repeatedly)</li></ul>another note: I do know of ways to increase your endurance and prepare your muscles and body to receive more prana during nose breathing exercise, inquire if interested.<br /><ul><li>exfolliation of your skin; this will open up the channels and absorb vibrational toxins<br /></li></ul><ul><li>aromatherapy inhalation for sinus congestion or inflammation</li></ul><ul><li>enjoy the beauty and aromatherapy from spring flowers</li></ul><ul><li>make detoxifying soup with coriander, barley, zucchini, daikon radish and dark leafy greens</li><li>avoid heavy oils, deep fried foods, excessive sweets, heavy meats (chicken and fish OK), anything that takes a long time to digest, large beans</li><li>do not sleep in the day time<br /></li></ul>Hopefully this gives you a good idea of a simple way to assiat your body in detoxification in the Spring. If you are interested in a home cleanse supported by detoxifying bodywork, including massage, Marma Therapy, body scrubs and body wraps, and aroma steams, please call Samadhi Spa and Wellness.<br /><br />Here's to Spring flowers!Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-74996401094614149322009-04-19T17:29:00.000-07:002009-04-21T11:20:16.486-07:00Spring Class Series- Vata and Pitta and Kapha Oh my!!Spring time is to renew, refresh and rejuvenate!<br />Join Samadhi Spa and Wellness on a four-week journey that leads to Bliss.<br /><br />Demystifying the Science of Life: Ayurveda<br />with Radha Crawley, CMT and Ayurvedic Educator and Aaron Schwaller, CAE and Marma Specialist<br /><br />Monday Evenings 7-9pm from April 27- May 16<br /><br />This series will introduce you to the concepts and terminology of Ayurveda while giving you the confidence to use them in your everyday life. Open your heart lotus and let your light shine with the oldest healing modality known to man. We will experience Marma Therapy to achieve states of Bliss, Aromatherapy to open your heart, Pranayama to balance your mind, Mantra to allow the light of your soul to shine and more! Leave with handouts and inspiration to lead a life of Bliss!! This experience is not to be missed as it is a culmination of wisdom passed down for the last 5000 years!<br /><br />Week 1: The Basics • Week 2: The Bliss Cleanse: feel blissful while cleansing to boost your immunity and enhance your clarity<br />Week 3: Daily routine to keep you in balance • Week 4: How to balance your body type<br /><br />Cost: $88 for all 4 classes, or $25 per class • Call if you are interested but finances are a concernRadha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-9241641509138197632009-03-12T16:55:00.000-07:002009-03-12T17:30:22.324-07:00Thank you Ayurveda for giving us these Ideal Foods for Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/Sbmo7TcaSrI/AAAAAAAAABI/6wGvGpcjxxU/s1600-h/3266186384_981d4b8083_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WMMQBxjk6lo/Sbmo7TcaSrI/AAAAAAAAABI/6wGvGpcjxxU/s320/3266186384_981d4b8083_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312462972245396146" border="0" /></a><br />Spring is synonymous with renewal, freshness, new growth, and birth. I know personally I am always looking for what greens I can throw in my blender to feel that burst of health and freshness. I put together this post to give you some freshness for your spring menus… May it grant you the clarity you need to meet your dreams!<br /><br />Find at the bottom of the posting a Spring Grocery List filled with foods that will keep the Spring thaw from goo-ing up your insides!<br />I will also include a couple recipes from the foods on this list so you can have a bit of inspiration for your Spring elixirs.<br /><br /><br />As with all my recipes and suggestions for PURITY, please use Organic ingredients whenever possible.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Renewal Smoothie (enjoy all spring long!)</span><br />Feel free to be creative with your smoothie and add in anything you like from the Spring Grocery List<br />1 ripe papaya<br /><br />1 cup blueberries<br /><br />1-2 pinches ginger powder<br /><br />a lot of spinach<br /><br />3 leaves of kale<br /><br />a dash of either agave syrup or maple syrup<br /><br />pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds<br /><br /><br />blend until frothy and delicious. add a bit of water if you like....<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spring Cleansing Soup: Kitcheree</span><br />serves 4<br /><br /><br />3/4 cup long grain brown rice<br /><br />3/4 cup split mung beans (can be hard to find)<br /><br />1 tablespoon ghee<br /><br />1/4 tsp ground cumin<br /><br />1/8 tsp ground coriander<br /><br />1/8tsp ground fennel<br /><br />1 tsp mustard seeds<br /><br />1/4 tsp thyme<br /><br />1/4 tsp rosemary<br /><br />1/4 tsp ground cinnamon<br /><br />1/4 tsp ground black pepper<br /><br />1 tsp ground tumeric<br /><br />1 pinch saffron<br /><br /><br />4 -5 cups water to your preference.<br /><br />optional chopped vegetables of choice: dandelion greens, kale, peas, carrots,<br /><br /><br />soak split mung overnight. drain and rinse before adding. in saucepan on med/high heat add ghee and mustard seeds, allow seeds to pop and then add rest of spices, except tumeric (it is sensitive to burning). Heat spice in ghee for 15-20 seconds, careful not to burn. Add tumeric and rinsed beans and rice, stir until covered with spices. Add water and cook for 30-40 minutes until soft.<br /><br />Serve with lime or lemon wedge squeezed over top and salt to taste.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spring Chai from Feeding the Whole Family by Cynthia Lair</span><br /><br />4 cups water<br /><br />10 whole cloves<br /><br />12 whole cardamom pods<br /><br />12 whole peppercorns<br /><br />2 sticks cinnamon<br /><br />4 slices fresh ginger 1/4" thick<br /><br />1 cup almond or rice milk (freshly made preferable)<br /><br />maple syrup to sweeten<br /><br />Bring water, spices, and gingerroot to boil in a pot. Lower heat and simmer 15-20 minutes. Add milk, turn off heat add sweetener to taste.<br /><br /><br />if this seems like too much work try Organic India's Tulsi Masala Chai<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spring Grocery List</span></span><br /></div>This list is a guideline for an ideal low-fat diet taking more salads, leafy greens, veggies, beans, sprouts and berries.<br />• indicates best choice<br />• please also take in account where you are at in your specific balance. My husband could not go a week with out having an Avocado which is not recommended for Spring. However, if you feel like kapha (the Spring dosha) is balanced in your system, you have more freedom to vary from this list.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FRUIT</span><br />Apples<br />Blueberries<br />Dried Fruits*<br />Grapefruit<br />Lemons<br />Limes<br />Papayas<br />Pears<br />Pomegranates<br />Raspberries<br />Strawberries<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">VEGETABLES</span><br />Alfalfa Sprouts*<br />Artichokes<br />Asparagus*<br />Bean Sprouts*<br />Beets<br />Bitter Melon<br />Broccoli<br />Brussels Sprouts*<br />Cabbage*<br />Carrots*<br />Cauliflower*<br />Celery*<br />Chicory*<br />Chilies* dried<br />Cilantro<br />Collard Greens*<br />Corn*<br />Dandelion Greens*<br />Endive<br />Hot Peppers*<br />Kale*<br />Lettuce*<br />Spinach*<br />Watercress*<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />GRAINS</span><br />Buckwheat<br />Corn<br />Millet<br />Oats<br />Quinoa<br />Brown rice, long grain<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">LEGUMES<br /></span>Bean Sprouts*<br />Kidneys*<br />Lentils*<br />Mungs*<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NUTS AND SEEDS</span><br />Filberts<br />Pinons<br />Pumpkin<br />Sunflower<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DAIRY</span><br />Ghee (in moderation)<br />Rice milk<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">OILS</span><br />all good in moderation<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SWEETENERS</span><br />Honey*<br />Maple Syrup<br />Molasses<br />Raw Agave Nectar<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SPICES</span><br />Basil<br />Bay Leaf<br />Black Pepper*<br />Cayenne*<br />Clove*<br />Coriander<br />Cumin<br />Curry Leaves<br />Fennel<br />Ginger<br />Marjoram<br />Mustard*<br />Oregano<br />Rosemary<br />Saffron<br />Sage<br />Peppermint<br />Thyme<br />TumericRadha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-60876462605939836332009-03-10T17:55:00.000-07:002009-03-10T17:58:54.633-07:00Research from Organic Consumers Association<h2 style="font-family: lucida grande; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This is good news seeing as many of these products are on the shelves in natural foods stores and food cooperatives. NOTE: the certified organic brands all came out clean in the testing...</span><br /></h2><h2><br /></h2><h2>OCA's New Study Finds Greatly Reduced Carcinogens in Personal Care Products</h2> <ul><li><b> Press Release: New OCA Study<br />Follow-Up Tests of Leading Personal Care and Household Cleaning Brands Reveal Improvements in Levels of Carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane<br /> Organic Consumers Association, For Immediate Release: March 6, 2009<br /> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/"> Straight to the Source </a><br /> <br /> </b></li></ul> <span class="bold">Contact: </span><br /> <a href="mailto:adam@mintwood.com">Adam Eidinger</a> - 202-744-2671<br /> <a href="mailto:ariel@mintwood.com">Ariel Vegosen</a> - 516-732-0579<br /> <a href="mailto:ronnie@organicconsumers.org">Ronnie Cummins</a> - 218-349-3836<br /> <a href="mailto:shuettl@freedompressonline.com">Sheila Huettl</a> - 310-455-8952<br /> <br /> ANAHEIM, CA - Today, a new follow-up <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneResults09.pdf" target="_blank">study</a> was released that assesses levels of the petrochemical carcinogen <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneFacts080314.pdf">1,4-dioxane</a> in leading conventional as well as "natural" and "organic" brands of personal care and household cleaning products. The results indicate significant improvement for 23 products from sixteen major brands that had formerly been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of the contaminant 1,4-dioxane in a similar <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneRelease08.cfm" target="_blank">study held in March of 2008</a>.<br /> <br /> Both of these studies, which looked specifically at products that come in contact with the skin, were commissioned by the <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/">Organic Consumers Association (OCA)</a>, a watchdog group with over 500,000 members, and were overseen by environmental health consumer advocate David Steinman (author of <a href="http://http//www.preventcancer.com/press/books/ssb.htm">The Safe Shopper's Bible</a>). The independent third-party laboratory, <a href="http://http//www.bodycotetesting.com/home.aspx?lang=1" target="_blank">Bodycote Testing Group</a>, known for rigorous testing and chain-of-custody protocols, performed all testing. The products selected for the study are available at popular retail outlets.<br /> <br /> As was the case with the <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneRelease08.cfm">former study</a>, the new results showed that products bearing the USDA Organic seal (such as products from <a href="http://www.drbronner.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Bronner's</a>, <a href="http://www.intelligentnutrients.com/" target="_blank">Intelligent Nutrients</a> and <a href="http://www.terressentials.com/" target="_blank">Terressentials</a>), were totally free of 1,4-dioxane.<br /> <br />Many companies with products that tested positive for 1,4-dioxane in the March 2008 study were cooperative with the Organic Consumers Association and provided re-formulated products for the new study. Brands whose products showed significant improvement since the last study include: Earth Friendly Products, Ecco Bella, Giovanni, Jason, Johnson & Johnson, Kiss My Face, Life Tree, Method, Nature's Gate, Planet Ultra, and Seventh Generation. (Seventh Generation also donated $10,000 to help fund this follow-up study.) Three companies named in a <a title=" (Full address: lawsuit filed in June 2008 by the California Attorney General)" href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_12797.cfm">lawsuit filed in June 2008 by the California Attorney Gen...</a> based on previous high levels of 1,4-dioxane in their tested products have reformulated and their products tested clean or nearly clean in the current study: Alba (Avalon), Citrus Magic, and Nutribiotic.<br /> <br />Several brands claimed to be working on product reformulations that were not ready in time for this study, including: Nature's Gate, Healthy Times, and The Village Company. A spokesperson from Whole Foods Market, which is also a defendant in the California Attorney General's lawsuit, reports they are reformulating their private label 365 Everyday Value products according to their new Premium Body Care Standards, and will be rolling them out to the stores by mid summer.<br /> <br />Some of the leading brands with products testing at the highest levels for the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane were Dial, Palmolive, Head & Shoulders, and Body Essence. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap had the highest levels of the carcinogen at an alarming 204 ppm (parts per million), ten times higher than any other product's current results in the study.<br /> <br />Based on the presence of potentially dangerous levels of 1,4-dioxane, legal notices have been served this week by David Steinman to Mrs. Meyer's, Dial, and others. According to Ronnie Cummins, the National Director of the Organic Consumers Association, "The OCA pledges to keep up the pressure until every brand claiming to be 'natural' removes 1,4-dioxane and other problematic synthetic chemicals from their products."<br /> <br /> <p style="font-weight: bold;">About 1,4-Dioxane </p><br />1,4-dioxane is a petrochemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer" under Proposition 65. Due to its toxicity, many consumers would not expect to find it in "natural" or "organic" branded personal care products. The contaminant 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of the ethoxylation process, which is a cheap shortcut companies often use to provide mildness to harsh cleaning ingredients. 1,4-dioxane is also a suspected kidney toxicant, neurotoxicant, and respiratory toxicant, according to the California EPA, and it is a significant groundwater contaminant. While previous studies have revealed the presence of 1,4-dioxane in baby, children's and adults products and those mislabeled as "organic" and "natural", this latest study shows the toxin is being significantly reduced as many brands reformulate.<br /> <br /> Further Resources<br /> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/OCAPressRelease090306.doc">Download Printable Version of this Press Release (doc)</a><br /> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneResults09.pdf">Download the Test Results (pdf)</a><br /> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/DioxaneFacts080314.pdf">OCA Fact sheet on 1,4-dioxane</a><br /> <a href="http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/">OCA's Coming Clean Campaign</a><br /> <a href="http://www.safecosmetics.org/" target="_blank">Campaign for Safe Cosmetics</a><br /> <a href="http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/chemicals/23481">Environmental Working Group</a>Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4390374922624800853.post-4640219298669255212009-03-10T13:07:00.000-07:002009-03-10T13:27:39.513-07:00my definition of PURITYWhy Purity? I believe this to be the element that will allow True expansion on our planet.<br /><br />Purity comes from the heart center, or Hridya point in Ayurveda. It is the gem that resides in the middle of our heart lotus. When we apply purity in our lives, our heart lotus slowly blossoms and reveals the sparkly gem of Truth inside. This Truth will lead us all towards the right food for our bodies, the perfect partner in life, and our Dharma, or path of virtue.<br /><br />Everything posted on this blog will have it's roots in PURITY. From the organic body care products and spa services I review to the Ayurvedic balancing recipes and words of wisdom I share. May the contents inspire Truth to blossom around you!Radha Crawley, LMT, Ayurvedic Educator and Ayurvedic Bodyworkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11776476121502511177noreply@blogger.com0