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Thursday, 20 June 2019 12:22

10 things you didn’t know about Coco Chanel

10 things you didn’t know about Coco Chanel

 

To celebrate fashion icon Coco Chanel we take a look at some lesser known facts about the legendary designer.

Nuns taught her everything she knows

Chanel’s sewing trade was taught to her by none other than the nuns who ran the Aubazine Abbey, an orphanage where she grew up. Both she and her sister Julia were sent there after their mother died.

Chanel would sing before she sewed

at age 18, Chanel was too old to remain at the Abbey and faced the choice of becoming a nun or heading out in to the world. In these early years she would sing at a Moulin-rouge style cabaret frequented by officers.

Coco is not her real name

It was in these formative years that Chanel, born Gabrielle, would acquire her nickname Coco from her male admirers who possibly chose the name based on the two popular songs with which they remembered her performances by, “Ko Ko Ri Ko”, and “Qui qu’a vu Coco”,

She lied about her age

For years Chanel claimed to be born in 1893 instead of 1883 – making her 10 years younger. Before you laugh, it may not have been for the reason you are thinking. It was apparently done to diminish the stigma that her humbler beginnings of poverty, illegitimacy and orphanhood bestowed upon her in 19th century France.

Before clothes, hats were her forte 

After meeting a rich ex-military officer and textile heir Etienne Balsan, Chanel became his mistress and moved in to his chateau in 1908, aged 23. It was their she began her interest in fashion designing and creating hats for rich acquaintances   as a diversion, which eventually led to her commercial venture – a millinery shop in Paris (financed by her lover of nine years a wealthy English Industrialist called Arthur Edward ‘Boy’ Capel – a friend of Balsan, who sadly died in 1919)

Chanel revolutionised fashion for women

If it wasn’t for her looser designs  and relaxed style – achieved through the use of jersey that up until then had been used for men’s underwear – women might still be wearing restricting and uncomfortable corseted clothing. thankfully the generation of women loved her for it and so Maison Chanel was established at 31, Rue Cambon in Paris (which remains its headquarters even today). Becoming a fashion force to be reckoned with in Paris, thanks to her striking bob haircut and tan, the mother of modern style launched her own fragrance in 1922 – which remains popular the world over.

She closed up shop and became a nurse

World War II was a turbulent time for the designer. In 1939 she closed the doors to her shop in Paris and became a war-time nurse but after the war fled controversy surrounding her affair with a German officer and headed to Switzerland. In 1954 she would end this self-imposed exile and return to Paris to take on the men dominating the fashion industry – introducing pea jackets and bell bottoms.

Katherine Hepburn played Chanel in a broadway show

A broadway musical of Chanel’s life opened in 1969 with Hepburn taking on the role of the designer – we’re sure that she had Coco’s renowned unabashed confidence down pat.

We have her to thank for the LBD

In October 1926 Chanel unveils the Little Black Dress. Done in the ‘flapper’ style that marked the design of this era, Vogue anoints the LBD design “the frock that all the world will wear” – how right they were!

She worked until her death

Having worked furiously to finish her latest couture collection, Chanel dies in 1971 aged 88. Two weeks after her death the ivory tweed suits and white evening dresses are sent to the runway and met with a standing ovation.

Thanks MiNDFOOD for article.

"My life didn't please me, so I created my life." Coco Chanel

 

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Wednesday, 19 June 2019 17:12

Is your body more acidic than your oven cleaner?

 Alkaline and acid diet made simple

Alkaline and acid diet made simple

The quality of what you eat and drink creates the foundation for your health or illness. To eat the most nourishing foods you can afford and have access to is vital to long term health.

The perspective of acidity concerning foods and drinks is similar to the ancient Ayurvedic system of high and low ash foods, and modern naturopathy of the mucusless diet. Ash and mucus being substances that clog up the inner space creating resistance to proper functions in the physical, nervous and energetic systems.  Similar comparisons could be a haze of smoke or fog obstructing your vision, or sinus congestion making breathing difficult, or trying to speak clearly when there is a mucus ball in the throat.  Except in this case the acidity or mucus is systemic – it is everywhere in your body.

“The quality of what you eat and drink creates the foundation for your health or illness.”

The connection is that the body uses mucus, cholesterol, water and dissolved calcium to neutralize acidity. When you are in the process of working to alkalize and detoxify the body, consuming acidic inducing foods and drinks could slow down the process and can be counterproductive to what you are working to achieve.

What to eat to alkalize

The best foods for detox are mainly fruits of all varieties.  From the perspective of nutrient density, berries are denser in nutrients and antioxidants than melons and fruits. For practical purposes you can consume as much as you can find, considering seasonality and the place you live on the planet, and also budgetary considerations of course. Overall, fruits of all varieties are the best for detoxification and provide readily available nutrients without taxing the digestive process.

“The best foods for detox are mainly fruits of all varieties.”

Many often ask, “What about the sugar in fruits?”  Fresh, raw fruit sugar is fructose which absorbs directly into the cells and does not need insulin produced by the pancreas to transport it into the cells like glucose.  All the other forms of starch from grains, nuts, seeds, roots, vegetables, honey, even meat have to be broken down to glucose and need insulin like a taxi to transport it into the cells.  The energy factory in the cells called mitochondria use the sugar molecules to produce energy.

In this sense fruit sugar from raw fruits is a superior food when you are detoxing because it requires minimal loss of energy.  Whereas everything else you eat will require more energy to break down into the single element of glucose.

The human system runs on sugar so there is no way around it. Grains contain more sugar than fruits when broken down. This is why grains are complex carbohydrates and fruits are simple carbohydrates. So to make it simple—we can take in easy to digest fruit sugar or difficult to digest glucose sugar.

Sprouting is one of the very best and easiest ways to get proper nourishment.  The sprouts are strongest, most packed with qi, protein, enzymes, vitamins and minerals during days 2-4.  It is best to sprout a variety of beans and seeds enough for consumption within 2-3 days.  You can learn how to do this on Youtube.  If you are a vegetarian or vegan and your diet is not predominantly raw fruits and green juices then you may not be getting enough nutrients, sprouting is the best way to fill in the nutritional gaps.

Green juices are amazing.  Although raw and cooked veggies are very good, the juice is better for alkalizing for the simple reasons of having more readily available nutrients and less energy expenditure towards digestion. Humans do not have enzymes to break down cellulose. This means you get minimal nourishment from a supposedly healthy bowl of salad and that’s why we mention green juices as the most efficient way to get the nutrients and alkaline effect.

Seaweeds are also an amazing source of nutrients, and the super minerals they contain are alkalizing.  They are far superior than vegetables grown on land because of soil quality erosion through many decades of bad agricultural practices.  Organic farms are better, but the food is nowhere as strong as it used to be. Therefore seaweed stands out as a super food and alkalizing agent.

What to avoid eating in order to alkaline

The major acidic, high ash, mucus food and drinks are meat, dairy, coffee, soda, caffeinated tea, pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol, nuts, seeds, chocolate and grains.

This may seem like “all the fun” stuff for some people. But with everything taken into consideration you can still do the best you can under the given circumstances.  Try to eat as much fruit and green juices all day long if possible before you dive into the other foods. Work toward consuming 60%-80% of your overall food intake as fruits and then greens. It is definitely easier to do this diet if you live in the warmer climates. In colder climates you have to be proactive by freezing whatever you can find in the summer months. It takes some work and planning but its very doable.

Other major sources of acidity

Stress hormones like adrenaline and too much estrogen and testosterone in the body are extremely acidic. Therefore chronic stress is the number one contributor to many illnesses.  Yoga, relaxation and balancing the sex hormones will go a long way in contributing to a healthy system.

 
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Friday, 14 June 2019 18:10

Do you suffer from any embarrassing tummy symptoms? Heba has some advice for You!

The Low FODMAP Diet 

By Heba 
 
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gas, bloating, bowel incontinence, constipation, diarrhoea or other digestive disorders, you may be surprised how something as simple as restricting certain foods from your diet can dramatically reduce the symptoms you’re experiencing.

An example of such diet restriction is a low FODMAP diet. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are types of carbohydrates that may stay get stuck in your gut and ferment there.

What exactly are FODMAPS?

The mentioned saccharides (sugar chains) and polyols (sugar alcohols), if left undigested, end up in the lower portion of the large intestine. Here, there are broken down by bacteria.
Based on an Australian study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology last October 2009, this fermentation process sucks in water and lets out hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane gas which collectively expand and stretch the intestinal walls. This leads to bloating, abdominal or pelvic pain and distension as well as other related functional gastrointestinal symptoms.(1)

Here are examples of such carbohydrates considered under FODMAPS:

  • Fructose (a monosaccharide): corn syrup, honey, fruit sugars, agave
  • Lactose (a disaccharide): Dairy such as yoghurt, cheese, milk
  • Fructans (oligosaccharides): Wheat, asparagus, onions, artichokes, garlic
  • Galactans(oligosaccharides): Legumes like lentils, soybeans, and beans
  • Polyols: fruits with seeds or pits such as avocados, cherries, apples, plums, peaches, and figs.

When you consume FODMAPs, they may pull water into your small intestine, leading to diarrhoea. In people with IBS, FODMAPs can travel to the gut or large intestine without being digested fully. Bacteria in the gut interact with these undigested food particles which cause bloating, gas, and pain.

Note, however, that not everyone is sensitive to the same type of FODMAPs. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the actual culprit.

What is the low FODMAP diet?

The low-FODMAP diet is a dietary plan that avoids or removes FODMAPs completely for up to four weeks. It is designed to relieve patients from digestion-related problems caused by FODMAP. It is assumed that if FODMAPs are the actual cause of your condition, you will feel better during or after this diet.

In this diet, you are still allowed to eat a lot of food choices. The only difference is limiting your carbohydrate intake to only the foods with low FODMAP content, hence the diet’s name.

 

Aside from those already mentioned, here are examples of foods that are high-FODMAP and are not to be consumed by someone under the diet.

  • Anything made with whole grains like wheat, rye, or barley
  • Artificial sweeteners like those in chewing gum and other candies
  • Watermelon
  • Cauliflower
  • Dried fruits
  • Mushrooms
  • Cashews
  • Ice cream
  • Pistachios

On the other hand, here are low-FODMAP foods that are recommended for consumption:

  • Kale, spinach, and other green leafy vegetables
  • Almond
  • Tomatoes
  • Bananas
  • Coconut
  • Bell peppers
  • Tangerines
  • Blueberries
  • Carrots
  • Grapes
  • Oats
  • Cucumbers
  • Potatoes
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Soy milk

Of course, there are other food choices that make it to the high-and low-FODMAP lists. So, it is still recommended to consult a dietitian and gastroenterologist to limit your FODMAP consumption without sacrificing a well-balanced, healthy diet that provides all your nutritional needs.

Who will benefit from a low-FODMAP diet?

Since it is designed to relieve symptoms related to digestion, it can benefit anyone who is suffering from such. However, it is now emerging as a treatment for other conditions such as:

  • Specific autoimmune disorders like eczema, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Other Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID)
  • Fibromyalgia, recurrent migraines, and other conditions known to be triggered by eating specific foods
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

A low-FODMAP diet has also been specifically proven to be a treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS.

A study published in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal in 2012 suggested the low-FODMAP diet as a treatment for IBS(2).

About four years later, another study published in the Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology Journal cited evidence on the efficacy of the low-FODMAP diet.(3) Reportedly, it caused relief for up to 86% of IBS patients that participated in the diet, with significant improvement in other gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, distention, and gas.

Severe constipation can be debilitating and can lead to straining during bowel movement, haemorrhoids, and bowel prolapse. However, it is still recommended to be a short-term diet since the long-term effects are still unknown. Strict low-FODMAP dieting is also not advised due to the risk of inadequate nutrition and negative effects rooting from changes in the gut microbiota. FODMAPs are not actually all bad, many foods rich in FODMAPs encourage good bacterial growth in the gut.

In fact, about 3 out of 4 people with IBS were found to have eased symptoms right after starting a low-FODMAP diet while the most relief was experienced seven days or more into the plan, according to a study published in the journal Gastroenterology.

However, before starting a low-FODMAP diet, it is crucial first to confirm that you actually have IBS which can be improperly misdiagnosed or mistaken for bladder pain or uterus pain. These are entirely different conditions that require a different treatment approach.

How a low-FODMAP diet is followed

Following the diet does not simply involve getting rid of FODMAP-rich food, but is more complicated than what you could be expecting. It involves three different stages: restriction, reintroduction, and personalisation.

Stage 1: Elimination or Restriction

The first stage involves strictly avoiding high-FODMAP food for no longer than about 3 to 8 weeks only to maintain your gut health. Some people already notice symptoms to subside and improve during the first week, but many continue to finish all eight weeks.

Once you have found relief for your digestive symptoms, you can continue to the next stage. If your issues were not resolved, like what happens to about 30% of the people who try the diet, talk to your doctor about other non-diet treatments or alternatives.

Also, review and recheck your ingredients list and FODMAP information, and look at other factors that could be contributing to your IBS.

Stage 2: Reintroduction or Rechallenge Phase

The next stage involves reintroducing high-FODMAP foods through a system. Its purpose is to identify which FODMAPs are tolerable and establish your tolerance or threshold level because most people are only sensitive to a certain type.

In this step, you have to test specific FODMAP foods for three days each. Preferably, do this under the supervision of a dietitian. All throughout this stage, your low-FODMAP diet continues. Meaning, even if you can tolerate a FODMAP food, you still can’t eat it regularly until the next stage.

Stage 3: Personalization

Also called the modifies low-FODMAP diet, this still restricts your FODMAP intake. However, the types and number of servings will be adjusted to cater to your threshold as determined in the previous stage.

This is an important stage which will determine your diet flexibility and variety. These are associated with long-term improvement in your quality of life, overall well-being, gut health, and compliance.

Benefits of the Low FODMAP diet

More than 30 studies(4) have proven the low-FODMAP diet to provide the following benefits:

  • Reduce digestive symptoms including bloat, reflux, bowel urgency, prolapsed bowel, constipation, diarrhoea, and stomach pain.
  • Better quality of life

Numerous studies have provided evidence that a low-FODMAP diet can be beneficial for patients suffering from IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions. If you have any of these, give the low-FODMAP diet a try. It might be the answer to your digestive problems.

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Wednesday, 05 June 2019 19:40

Kick That Immune System To Gold

Kick That Immune System To Gold

Add this shot of sunshine to your morning routine, to maintain winter wellness & boost the immune system!

  • anti-inflammatory
  • anti-oxidant
  • helps digestion
  • reduces nausea
  • helps fight winter bugs
  • good source of vitamin C
  • prebiotic 
  • good fibre
  • mood booster
  • benefits your skin & so much more

Blast in your nutribullet (or something similar):

1 cored apple

juice of 1 lemon

1/2 - 1 tsp fresh ginger

1/2 - 1 tsp fresh turmeric

tsp oil

2-3 grinds of black pepper 

The oil & pepper helps the goodness of the other ingredients to be absorbed & utilised by your body. I add a little warm water so it is easier to drink. Serves 2 peeps. Bon appetite! 

This shot makes you glow from the inside out. 

Hot tip ... turmeric turns things yellow, so if you want to brighten your toothy grin try Ayurvedic oil pulling. I use coconut oil, about a teaspoon. Swish it around your mouth for about 10 mins, it lso helps to remove built-up toxins. After swishing, spit oil out into a paper towel & bin or compost.

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Wednesday, 29 May 2019 13:22

Come Play With Us & Get Your Springtime Groove On

Come Play With Us & Get Your Springtime Groove On

Craving some time out?  No cooking, dishes or interrupted conversations for 2 whole days!

Reset in time to embrace summer & the Christmas craziness  

A wee bit about us ...

 

Jaz's wholistic lifestyle approach will enhance your energy levels, mental well-being & awareness. Registered Nurse, Naturopath, Massage Therapist, Alchemist - Founder of Cocorose IG:cocorose_nz

 

Leonie is passionate about supporting people to find their joy, while creating a vibrant, healthy & balanced life. Therapeutic YogAlign Instructor, Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Nurse, EFT Facilitator, Nature Lover, Design & Art Admirer IG:leonie.gypsetlife

 

An insight into Your retreat weekend 

 

Nutrition

 

Create your awareness around the connection of gut health, emotional well-being, energy levels, immunity & weight management. Let us help you gain a fresh perspective on low moods & anxiety.

 

YogAlign

 

A therapeutic style of yoga from Hawaii, that connects breath, posture, mindfulness & movement practices into your everyday. A tool to help align yourself with your passions & purpose. Yoking all facets of yourself - mental, emotional, spiritual & physical.

 

Meditation 

 

Finding your own unique meditation practice to bring more joy, stillness & presence into your life.  

 

Create

 

Lift your spirits, creating your own rose facial spritzer & essential oil blend to take home. The perfect calming, anti-aging & hydrating products for sunny days. 

 

Nourish

 

Delicious & nutritious vegetarian food & you don’t have to lift a finger! Tea & coffee provided. Sorry no meat, drugs or alcohol. Re-energising & gentle bush walk with coastal views. 

 

Connection

 

Connecting with like-minded individuals, while exploring the intricate connection of your mind, body, spirit & surroundings.

 

Pamper

 

Free use of Sauna.  Massage treatments, as therapists are available, at an extra cost.  $40 30mins & $80 60mins.

 

Sleep

 

Two nights twin shared accommodation, towels & bedding included. Some single rooms available.

 

Investment

 

$450 per person. An additional $60 single room supplement available - limited number only.

 

Internet

 

Wifi available in the main centre building. Mobile reception available.

 

Location

 

608 Manaia Road, RD1, Coromandel, 3581. Allow 2.5 hours for your drive from Tauranga.

 

Book

 

Enter into your calendar now! Friday 27 September 2019, check-in 4pm includes dinner, to Sunday 29 September, check-out 2pm includes lunch Sunday. Book now, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Wednesday, 22 May 2019 14:31

Slow Your Ageing Down By Managing Chronic Stress

How to relax for stress relief

By MiNDFOOD| MAY 21, 2019

 

Historically, relaxation has often been associated with “wasting time”, however, this is something we need to shake. Regular relaxation and stress management are important for physical and emotional health. Here are a few tips on how to relax your body and mind…

If your body’s stress response is triggered throughout the day and if it doesn’t know how to return to its regular state of relaxation afterwards, you may find yourself in a state of chronic stress.

Chronic stress is the type of stress that can do a lot of damage to your health, contributing a whole host of stress-related health problems, including heart disease, the common cold, and high blood pressure, just to name a few. Learning relaxation techniques can help you restore your body to its natural state when you’re feeling stressed and will help you deal with stress in a healthy way in future. If you can become less reactive to the stressors that you face and can recover more quickly from it if you do react, your body and mind will thank you for it.

Relaxation can occur when you’re taking some downtime, i.e. sitting in a comfy chair, reading a good book. But sometimes it’s helpful to have a more structured plan for relaxation as, in the face of stress, you’ll have a whole toolbox ready to help you recover. It will also mean you actively choose strategies that build resilience rather than merely distracting you from what’s creating stress for you on a given day. Learning to relax your body and your mind can be more effective than either one on its own, obviously.

How to relax

Here are some of the best relaxation strategies you can use to combat stress…

Breathe

Breathing exercises should be your first line of defence against stress. The beauty of these for relaxation is that they can be used anytime, anywhere, and they work quickly. They’re also very easy to master. Start with deep breathing. To do this, breathe in through your nose and feel your chest fill with air. Then, breathe out through your nose. As you do so, place one hand on your belly and another on your chest. Focus on feeling your belly and chest rise as you breathe in, and fall as you breathe out.  

Meditation

How to relax: Meditation

The wonderful thing about practising meditation is that it allows you to “let go” of everyday worries and literally “live in the moment.” People who meditate regularly report improvements physically, mentally, and spiritually, using it as a technique to not only combat stress but prevent it in the first place. To begin a meditation practice, you will need to find a quiet spot, away from the phone, television, friends, family, and other distractions. Meditation practices often involve learning breathing or mantra techniques. Initially, your mind may wander when you first start meditating, but by training your mind to focus on the moment, you will feel relaxed and more centred. Most experts recommend meditating for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Beginners may find it difficult to meditate for this length at first, but don’t despair. It will become easier once you are meditating regularly.

Music

Playing music is a great way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. When at work, keep a pair of headphones at your desk so you can enjoy your music for yourself. This technique often helps to provide a safe space to help you to recharge, even if you are in a room full of people. Because music brings real benefits in terms of wellness (music therapy is a growing field), it can be conveniently used effectively for relaxation as well. 

Exercise

How to relax: Exercise

It may seem that exercise is the opposite of relaxation, but a good workout can actually make you feel more relaxed afterwards for a few reasons. First, working out can be a good way to release stress and blow off steam. Second, the endorphins released during a good workout can aid relaxation quite nicely. Additionally, exercise can get you into a state of flow where it’s difficult to stay stressed—your body has to move toward relaxation as your stress response begins to reverse.

Have Fun

Yes, these relaxation methods don’t all have to be clinical and practised. Letting loose and having fun with your family and friends is an excellent way to relieve stress and experience relaxation. Most people don’t prioritise this as an important part of life—they don’t fit time for it in their busy schedules because they don’t realise the value of fun for balance as well as physical and emotional health. So schedule some downtime in your calendar, it’s just as (if not more) important than any other pressing matter.

If you focus on stress management regularly, in a relatively short time you can learn to more easily relax when you need to, and build resilience toward stress.

Read more: A relaxed body promotes healthy eating

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Wednesday, 22 May 2019 13:49

Spice Up Your Life

Health benefits of Turmeric

By Kate Hassett  MAY 21, 2019 

 

While the pharmaceutical industry searches for the ‘magic bullet’ to boost ageing minds, the ultimate mind food has been flavouring Indian curries for 5000 years. We take a look at the health benefits of Turmeric.

Turmeric has been lauded as potentially the most effective nutritional supplement in existence. Whilst this is a huge call to make, the health benefits of tumeric for your diet have been researched over hundreds of studies.

The common Indian spice contains bioactive compounds called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin.

This active ingredient is responsible for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is also an incredible antioxidant. Whilst the level of curcumin in fresh turmeric is not that high (by weight), taking extracts that concentrate the content of the antioxidant are incredibly beneficial to a variety of ailments.

Note: Curcumin can be poorly absorbed in the body, foods containing piperine, such as black pepper, can aid in its digestion and absorption. The compound extract is also fat soluble, so taking the supplement with good fats will also aid in its digestion.

Health benefits of Turmeric

Health benefits of Turmeric

It’s anti-inflammatory

Turmeric has traditionally been used to fight inflammation in cases of stomach ulcers, gut inflammation and people suffering from arthritis and colitis.

Inflammation, of the gut in particular, has also been linked to chronic diseases, and obesity, so reducing inflammation can lead to a whole new world of health benefits.

Here are more foods that fight inflammation.

Boosts brain repair

According to a report in the journal Stem Cell Research, turmeric can encourage the growth of nerve cells thought to help aid brain self-repair.

The farming village of Ballabgarh in northern India has lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease than anywhere else in the world.

Clinical studies confirm the common cooking spice turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory effects that may prevent and even reverse the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementia diseases.

Fighting symptoms of PTSD and depression 

Now, scientists are claiming curcumin, the yellow curry compound found in turmeric, can help prevent fear from being stored in the brain while removing pre-existing fears from the brain’s storage.

Psychologists from The City University of New York are hoping the findings will pave the way for more sophisticated treatments for psychological disorders.

“This suggests that people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological disorders that are characterised by fearful memories may benefit substantially from a curcumin-enriched diet,” told Professor Glenn Schafe who led the study.

Similarly, a study conducted by universities in China found that curcumin can have significant antidepressant properties.

Fights infection 

Studies have shown that turmeric has the ability to inhibit the spread of certain viruses and prevent infection.

Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralises free radicals on its own, then stimulates the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

A word to the wise

If you are looking for supplements online, the FDA in America doesn’t regulate supplements like they do pharmaceutical drugs, as such it is important to do your research and find out exactly what the supplement contains before taking it.

Thanks MiNDFOOD for the article.

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Wednesday, 08 May 2019 15:54

Remember To Breathe

Surviving modern motherhood

By MiNDFOOD| MAY 1, 2019

Authors Michele Powles and Renee Liang. 

 

Two courageous Kiwi women, one an author and the other a pediatrician, lay bare the raw joy, beauty, discomfort and humour of modern motherhood. The result is uplifting and fearless.

Parenting is messy, hilarious, heartrending, tiring and above all joyful. There is no one right way to do it – but now two brave mums have shared a bit of their journey, and invite you to “laugh and cry along with us.”

Mum is the word for critically acclaimed writers Michele Powles and Renee Liang, with the launch of their new book, When We Remember To Breathe. MiNDFOOD chats with Renee about the new book, motherhood and remembering to breathe.

Tell me about ‘When We Remember To Breathe’, how and why did this come about?

Michele and I had met at writers’ events, and talked about how in early motherhood we’d wanted to record all the special moments, but we were too tired! When we both got pregnant with our second children we decided to write to each other as a way of cheering each other on.

The conversation became more and more frank, with the joyful comedic moments mixed in with the moments of doubt and exhaustion. And as we wrote we developed our friendship. We weren’t intending to publish but after sharing with other mums, including our eventual publisher, we were persuaded otherwise!

How is this similar or different to your other books?

I’ve written three poetry chapbooks, which are small handmade books.  I’ve also published eight anthologies of Kiwi migrant women’s writing. But I’m best known for work which isn’t ‘published’ – I’ve written and toured seven plays, many about growing up Chinese in Aotearoa. I’ve also written words and story for a opera and a couple of musicals, including The Bone Feeder Opera commissioned for Auckland Arts Festival in 2017. Although I’ve always drawn on my own experiences to write, this is the first time I’ve shared something so personal without hiding behind the fiction.

Personally, what has your experience of motherhood been?

I came to motherhood late – I was 39 when I had my first. But I’m also a pediatrician so I had spent years being asked for advice by parents!  Having kids made it real for me, and also taught me that babies don’t read the textbooks on how they’re are supposed to behave.  I was lucky – I had good support and my husband is the best co-parent. I get annoyed when people ask if the kids miss me when I go to work. Of course they do – but they have their dad, and all their grandparents and aunties and uncles to love them and keep them busy!

Both mine and my husband’s parents are immigrants (Chinese and Croatian) so we’re exploring with our kids what it means to come from many cultures  – luckily both sides of the family love to hang out together and eat great food! 

Why should mothers remember to breathe?

It’s like that advice you get on planes – in an emergency, put your own oxygen on first. Mums (and all who parent) need time to be themselves, to find their anchors and to fill their lungs with whatever oxygen gives them life.

Do you have any advice for new mums on coping with the challenges of motherhood and balancing a career?

Now when I see parents and grandparents in my clinic, I just want to give them a hug and tell them how well they’re doing.  It’s the world’s hardest job but it’s also the most important. Accept help when you need it, offer it when you can. Balancing work and parenting is a different choice for everyone. Follow your instincts, ignore the unhelpful ‘advice’ and know your decisions are the best for your family.

When We Remember to Breathe

When We Remember To Breathe is co-written by Renee Liang and Michele Powles and will be published on 1st May. NZ$25.00 on Magpie Pulp.

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Tuesday, 02 April 2019 21:16

5 Warning Signs Your Chakras Are Out Of Balance

5 Warning Signs Your Chakras Are Out Of Balance

By Lena Schmidt

Have you been feeling “off” lately? Are you making silly mistakes at work? Are you sick for the third week in a row? Although any number of things could be the explanation for these distressing circumstances, they could also be indicative of an imbalance in your chakra system. What are chakras? And what are the signs your chakras are out of balance? Chakras are energy centers throughout the body. Although there are hundreds of chakras, there are seven main chakras that are generally focused on. These wheels of brilliant energy line up along the central channel of the body, the shushumna nadi.

The chakras along the shushumna nadi are the power centers where the left channel (ida nadi) and the right channel (pingala nadi) intersect. These energy channels and psycho-power centers make up what is known as “the subtle body.” The subtle body is in a different realm than the physical body and the mind, but has a powerful impact on the body, mind, and entire system. The human body system thrives when the chakras and the nadis are open and prana, or life force, is allowed to move throughout the system with ease. Any kind of disturbance or disease in the body, mind, or spirit can cause blockage and imbalance. The goal is harmony. So if you’ve been feeling out of sorts, take a closer look at your chakras to investigate what’s going on and begin to find balance.

If you are feeling out of balance, consider what you have been consuming (food, drink, ideas, experiences), your current life circumstances (traveling, moving, big transitions), and the current season (wind, cold, rain, heat, dryness). Each of these elements has a potentially big impact on your sweet, sensitive human system as a whole.

In the philosophies of yoga and Ayurveda, where the chakras play an important role in understanding the human system, “like increases like” and “opposites balance.” This means that if you already have excess heat in your body (in the forms of anger or indigestion) and you add more heat (like a warm day or spicy food), you may feel even more heat and agitation than you already do—like increases like. On the other hand, if you add the opposite to that equation and take a cold shower or eat some fresh fruit, you may feel better and more in balance—opposites balance. Caroline Myss, author of Anatomy of the Spirit, and an expert in energy medicine, explains that your biography becomes your biology with each thought you think and each experience you encounter.

Are Your Chakras Balanced?

In general, there are five warning signs that your chakras may be out of balance. In striving for balance, too much or too little energy in each of the chakras creates imbalance. Remember: the goal is harmony—balancing your chakras does take effort. The general warning signs are:

  1. Something feels “off.”
  2. You get sick.
  3. You get sick. Again.
  4. You start making silly mistakes.
  5. Everything seems to be falling apart.

Each of these general imbalances manifests as specific physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual imbalances in each chakra. Let’s take a closer look at how imbalances in each chakra can influence a sense of disharmony in the body system as a whole.

Root Chakra—Muladhara

This chakra, physically located at the feet, legs, and “roots” of your being, is connected with the element of Earth. The root chakra is associated with your sense of safety, security, and feeling at home within your skin. This chakra is also related to your family of origin and your human tribe.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the root chakra:

  • Pain and stiffness in your feet and legs
  • Excess flexibility in your hamstrings/low sense of physical stability 
  • Feeling ungrounded, unsafe, and insecure
  • Home life feels chaotic and unsettled
  • Feeling stuck in life/low sense of flexibility

To Bring into Balance

  • Connect with the earth: go for a hike, walk in the sand, or garden.
  • Eat vegetables and fruit—food from the earth.
  • Practice grounding pranayama like sama vritti and alternate nostril breathing.
  • Wear the color red.
  • Stretch and strengthen your legs.

Sacral Chakra—Svadhistana

This chakra, physically located at the sacrum, hips, and sexual organs, is connected with the element of Water. The sacral chakra is associated with your emotions, creativity, and senses. This chakra is also related to your one-on-one relationships and your connection to intimacy.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the sacral chakra:

  • Pain and stiffness in your low back and hips
  • Feeling easily overwhelmed emotionally
  • Loss of imagination and no creativity
  • Out of touch with emotions and closed off
  • Sexual and reproductive issues

To Bring into Balance

  • Connect with the element of water: drink water, swim, take a soothing bath.
  • Dance.
  • Get in touch with your feelings through journaling or therapy.
  • Wear the color orange.
  • Move and stretch your hips.

Solar Plexus Chakra—Manipura

This chakra, physically located at the abdomen, mid-back, and side body, is connected with the element of Fire. The solar plexus chakra is associated with all of your thoughts and feelings about yourself. This chakra is about your relationship to yourself.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the solar plexus chakra:

  • Digestive issues and abdominal pain
  • Low self-esteem
  • Overinflated ego
  • Inability to commit
  • Inability to follow through with goals

To Bring into Balance

  • Connect with the element of fire: meditate on a candle flame or bonfire.
  • Eat foods that are easy to digest.
  • Get out in the sunshine.
  • Wear the color yellow.
  • Strengthen your core and practice detoxifying twists.

Heart Chakra—Anahata

This chakra, physically located at the heart, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, and upper back, is connected with the element of Air. The heart chakra is associated with love of all kinds: kindness to strangers, romantic love, compassion for others, friendship, family love, and self-love.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the heart chakra:

  • Pain in your upper back or chest
  • Tight shoulders or, alternatively, overly flexible shoulders
  • Inability to receive love in any of its forms
  • Lack of self-compassion
  • Feeling a sense of lack or loss with regards to love

To Bring into Balance

  • Connect with the element of air: get outside in fresh air and breathe deeply.
  • Practice loving-kindness/Metta meditation for yourself and others.
  • Practice self-care, self-love, and express love to others.
  • Wear the colors green or pink.
  • Stretch your chest, upper back, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Throat Chakra—Visshudha

This chakra, physically located at the throat, neck, mouth, jaw, and ears, is connected with the element of Ether/Space. The throat chakra is associated with communication, expression, using your voice, and knowing when to stay quiet. This chakra is related to your ability to speak from your heart and mind with clarity and to listen with compassion.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the throat chakra:

  • Sore throat or laryngitis
  • Jaw pain or habit of grinding your teeth
  • Pain or stiffness in your neck
  • A habit of talking all the time/not knowing when to stay quiet
  • Inability to speak up, set boundaries, or stand up for yourself

To Bring into Balance

  • Sing or chant mantra.
  • Drink soothing tea or lemon water.
  • Practice silent meditation.
  • Wear the color turquoise.
  • Listen to beautiful music.

Third Eye Chakra—Ajna

This chakra is physically located center of the forehead in the space between the eyebrows and inside the mind. The third eye chakra is associated with your intuition, imagination, inner wisdom, and insight. This chakra is also related to your ability to see deep within your heart spaces to the truest, wisest parts of yourself. When the third eye chakra is open, you see the bigger picture and have a positive view of the future.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the third eye chakra:

  • Headaches
  • Brain fog
  • Lack of intuitive guidance
  • Lack of inspiration
  • Overactive, overwhelming imagination

To Bring into Balance

  • Listen to and honor the messages your body sends you.
  • Keep a dream journal.
  • Wear the color blue.
  • Practice balancing postures like Tree Pose and Dancer’s Pose.
  • Practice yoga with your eyes closed.

Crown Chakra—Sahasrara

This chakra is physically located at the top of the head and skull. The crown chakra is associated with your sense of enlightenment and remembrance that you are a small part of a greater whole. This chakra is also related to your sense of place in the universe.

Warning Signs this Chakra Is Out of Balance

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have an imbalance in the crown chakra:

  • Headaches
  • Inability to concentrate or focus on the task at hand
  • Seemingly constant drama in your life
  • Inability to see beyond your own small corner of the world
  • Inability to take on other’s perspectives or practice empathy

To Bring into Balance

  • Practice meditation.
  • Get involved with volunteer work.
  • Keep a gratitude journal
  • Wear the color purple.
  • Practice Headstand and other inverted yoga poses.

The chakra system is one way to understand the human body. Even minor disturbances in the “subtle body” can manifest as pain, disease, discomfort or general disharmony in your body, mind, heart, and spirit. As you make your way on your journey toward balance, bliss, and happiness, consider checking in with your chakras regularly. Investigating the chakras can be a good temperature gauge for the entire system. Allow your journey to be intuitive and guided by your inner wisdom. Happy harmonizing!

*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center's Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.

 

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Tuesday, 02 April 2019 20:54

The Energy Vampire Solution - Video 2

Have you ever met someone who seems perfect – polished, attractive, kind, generous, maybe even successful – yet the more you get to know them, the more you realize that they’re actually self-centered, manipulative and deceitful? Their perfection is simply a façade put on so the world holds them in high esteem. 

If you or someone you know is an empath or highly sensitive person, you may easily be pulled in by people like this. I call them energy vampires. They appeal to your generosity, your compassion and your innate problem-solving nature. But, as psychologist Sandra L. Brown, M.A. says, these are “relationships of inevitable harm.”

In my second free video, I delve deeply into the mechanics of energy vampires – how they can zero in on you in a crowd based on your empathic traits and get their hooks in you if you aren’t careful. I will also give you some pointers on how you can protect yourself, and skillfully tiptoe out of their clutches before you fall prey.
Watch Wellness Video 2:
Protect Yourself from Energy Predators with These Techniques

Watch Wellness Video 1 Now
After you watch my video, I am confident you will have a clearer idea of who and what an energy vampire is, as well as what you can do to avoid them for good. If you missed my first video, which will help you know if you’re an empath, you can still catch it here for a little while longer: 
Watch Wellness Video 1:
How Empathy Can Protect You

Watch Wellness Video 1 Now
Once you watch these videos, head to the comment section and share your thoughts about these first two lessons so far on this journey. I’d love to hear about your experiences with energy vampires and as an empath.

I have two more free videos coming your way over the next few days. In the next one, I will show you exactly how you can begin to protect yourself and recover your life force after interacting with an energy vampire. 

And, if you know an empath who may be vulnerable to the energy vampires in their midst, make sure to share this video with them so that they, too, can get some benefit from this invaluable series.

Flourishingly Yours,
Dr. Northrup's Signature
Christiane Northrup, M.D.
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