"Articles"

Written by Audrey Barrett, MSAOM, LAc Nature seeks balance and regeneration.  The wintertime is offered as a time to rest, a time to pull energies inward conserving resources in order to stay true to the mysteries and pure potential held deep within.  It is in the deep stillness that we know who we are, that we hear our own truth, that the mystery of who we are, what we are meant to be is revealed. Without rest, without stillness in our lives we loose touch with our true essence. How do we cultivate the healing properties of winter when we find ourselves faced with demands that seem greater than our resources and unsettled fears about looming unknowns? Quite simply we follow nature’s lead allowing ourselves to quiet and to know stillness.  Rest is vital.  Going to bed earlier and staying in bed later and allowing ourselves down time—lots of it. Choosing nourishment well be it for the body, the mind or the spirit. Avoiding overstimulation during both the day and night

One of my favorite healing tools is journaling or free writing. I have been journaling for over 30 years now and find it to be helpful and fun. Several years ago, I gained a major insight through journaling. I have never been interested in traditional doctors, and I don’t usually think in terms of what is wrong or of seeking help. While working with clients in my office, I experienced pain in my neck and shoulders. I continually changed my position to get more comfortable, but nothing helped. After work, I poured myself a glass of wine to take the edge off the pain--all of this was done unconsciously. Someone else might have taken an aspirin or ibuprofen, but given I never took pills, that thought didn’t occur to me. After a few nights of this pattern, the pain became worse. I realized there must be something within myself I was not addressing. The next day, after seeing clients, I picked up my journal instead of a glass of wine, set the timer for 20 minutes, and began writing.

Written by Lee, Stillwaters Astrology There are several essential oils that can be used to combat colds and the flu either through air diffusers, hot baths or as hot and cold compresses. Essential oils are better than mainstream cold medicines and pills because they do not cause the side effects associated with over the counter medications. Using essential oils instead of these mainstream remedies is a great way to boost your immune health. When it comes to cold and flu, essential oils such as oregano, cinnamon, frankincense, lemon, eucalyptus and peppermint are prized by healers and naturopaths. Oregano - One of the most popular essential oils for treating everything from cold and flu to warts, oregano is considered a “hot” oil (it will heat up and tingle) and should be used cautiously. Do not apply to the face or throat without diluting it first with pure olive oil or another fatty oil. If you do get some on your face, dilute with butter or oil, NOT water! Oregano is be

Gary Chapman in his book, The Five Love Languages, teaches us to understand what makes us feel loved and what makes our loved ones feel loved. The five languages are Words of Affirmation Quality Time Gifts Acts of Service Physical Touch Have you ever had a friend who continually is asking for validation? A current or past love who is always touching you as you walk by, rubbing your shoulders, cuddling when you watch a movie? Someone who shops and is buying themselves gifts all the time? These may be clues to their love language. If your mother’s love language is Quality Time, getting her a gift certificate for massage would not excite her the way taking her to an off-Broadway play would. If you have a friend whose love language is Acts of Service, making her a book of coupons for services such as babysitting or yard work may be more important to her than getting her a new scarf. If your loved one’s first love language is Physical Touch, you may want to pl