Your Feet Are Talking (The Egyptians Swore By It)

Reflexology is an ancient healing modality the helps bring the systems of the body back into balance. By applying consistent, specific pressure to different points on the feet, deep relaxation shifts the body from the sympathetic (fight or flight) state to the gentle parasympathetic state. The parasympathetic state is THE ONLY state in which healing and rejuvenation can occur.

In my own practice, I use Reflexology as a tool to become more familiar with what is going on in my clients' bodies. Studies have shown that Reflexology increases circulation to corresponding areas. An increase in blood flow means a removal of waste, along with delivery of fresh food and oxygen for your cells. People living with conditions such as hormonal imbalances, irritable bowel syndrome, sinus infection/allergies, hip pain, headaches, and mastitis, have all found relief through this powerful modality.

I obtained my certification in Hand and Foot Reflexology in 2005 from Karen Ball's rigorous program in Gainesville, FL. I have been honing my craft every day since and continue to have new insights about the human body through this work. It's just one more reason that I love what I do.

Your Grandma and The Pioneers Swore By It

Why cook with a cast iron skillet?

• Virtually indestructible (will last FOREVER)
• Even heat distribution
  
• When seasoned well (oiled with use and time), creates a non-stick surface
• Imparts IRON into your food
• Can go from stove top to oven
• No special utensils needed (won't scratch or warp)
  

Why would more IRON in my diet be a good thing?

Low levels of iron in the blood can result in insufficient amounts of oxygen being circulated, leading to tiredness and headaches. An extreme deficiency can lead to anemia with nausea, vomiting, weakness, suppression of the immune system, and difficulty in maintaining body temperature.

Women who are pregnant or of childbearing age, or who have heavy menstrual periods, have the greatest need for iron. Pre-term or low birth weight infants, older toddlers, teenage girls, and patients with gastrointestinal disorders or kidney failure are also at high risk for iron deficiency. Athletes lose iron through perspiration. Also, The excessive consumption of tea or coffee can inhibit the absorption of iron by the body.

It has been estimated that only 65 - 70% of Americans get enough iron.

You will need to care for your cast iron skillet differently than your regular cookware, so make sure you read the packages instructions, look online, or ask a relative who is familiar with cast iron.

Look for them at yard sales, antique malls or even at Target. Usually, the older and more seasoned the pan, the better. Three trusted brands are Griswold, Wagner, and Lodge. I found mine at an Antique Mall in Micanopy, FL for $10.00 and love it! The older and more seasoned, the better. You will be investing in your health and a collectible.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME BLOG ABOUT ANYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES CONCERNING CAST IRON COOKING .

Need Endurance Energy? Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!

Chia seeds up close and personal

Did you have a Chia pet growing up? I didn't, but I always remember wanting one. If you aren't familiar with Chia pets, they are terra cotta figurines that you moisten and spread with seeds from the Saliva Hispanica plant, aka, Chia.

Known as the running food, Chia's use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during their conquests. The Indians of the southwest would eat as little as a teaspoonful when going on a 24 hr. forced march. It is said that Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

If you try mixing a spoonful of Chia into a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return, the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research believes this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.

	Studies have suggested that incorporating common chia into chicken feed may improve the nutritional value of chicken products by increasing the omega-3 content and decreasing the cholesterol content of the meat and eggs.
	Rodent studies have shown that Salvia hispanica may lower serum cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoproteins), and triglycerides while increasing HDL (high density lipoproteins). Furthermore, Salvia hispanica has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-tumor activity.

Massage FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When I first started getting massages (before I went to massage school), I had questions about how to be a client. It was only after I became a therapist that I began to understand how important these questions are for you, the client, and your level of comfort.
And let's face it, you can only relax when you're comfortable.
If you think of any others, please feel free to email me and ask.

Q. Should I keep my eyes opened or closed during the massage?

A. That is up to you. Whatever helps you to relax more deeply.

Q. May I wear my underwear during the session?

A. Your level of undress is completely up to you. If you would like to stay fully clothed during the massage that is okay, too. Please note, however, that some clothing (especially tight jeans) can limit the ease with which your body could be maneuvered.

Q. Is is okay to talk during my massage?

A. Yes. This is your time and if talking helps you to vent and unwind, please feel free. However, a quiet space can be a healthy break from our noisy lives. Can you clear your mind and let your thoughts pass like leaves in a stream?

Q. Should I just grin and bear this pain? The more it hurts, the better it is, right??

A. NO! The "no pain, no gain" theory does not apply in my office. On a scale of 1 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain), I don't want your experience to ever go above a level 6 or 7. Once the body starts to experience an extreme amount of pain, it can contract to protect itself. We want to promote the opposite experience, relaxation. It is up to you to tell me if ANYTHING I DO is uncomfortable or you would like me to STOP at any time.

Q. Is it customary to tip a massage therapist?

A. That depends on where you are.
If you are at a spa, it is customary to tip 15-20%. Spa workers often make a small percentage of what you actually pay for your session. Anywhere from $13-20/hr is customary payment for a massage therapist at a salon or spa--even though you might be paying up to $120/hr. Also, take into consideration how you felt about your experience. Did s/he seem attentive to your needs?
If you are at a Chiropractor's office or medical massage office, it is not customary to tip. It would be like tipping your dental hygienist. Many physicians do not allow their therapists to accept tips.
If you are at a therapist's private office, the choice is yours. Maintaining an office can be a large expense. Keep that in mind, too. And as always, evaluate your experience.

Q. May I fall asleep during my massage?

A. Absolutely.

Q. Oh no! Marjorie, I forgot to shave my legs! Do you care?

A. I didn't even notice.

Want to reach a healthy weight this year?

"The question of food and what one should eat is one that would take much space to cover. A good rule of thumb is to eat whatever foods appeal to you, but be sure they are of good quality and fresh. Avoid too many starchy foods, such as breads potatoes, pies, pastries, etc. Eat plenty of green and cooked vegetables."
-Willie Honeman, in American Bicyclist, 1945

Fad diets come and go like hairstyles. There are hundreds. Think of the ones you or someone you know might have tried--Atkins, South Beach, grapefruit, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, cabbage soup...

As we rigidly stick to these meal plans and allotted calorie amounts, are we able to listen to our bodies? To maintain optimum health and proper bodily functions (lungs working, heart beating, eyes blinking, brain buzzing, etc) you NEED a base number of calories each day. If you don't get that amount, you'll be running on E--and that ain't pretty. Here's how to estimate your daily calorie requirement:

• If you're inactive (sedentary)

  Body weight x 14 = estimated calories per day

• If you're moderately active

  Body weight x 17 = estimated calories per day

• If you're active

  Body weight x 29 = estimated calories per day

  
  

For example, let's say you weigh 160 lbs. You sit at a desk at work, and go to the gym on your way home. At the gym, you do the elliptical machine for 2o minutes. Just to FUNCTION, you need at least c. 2,720 calories on an average day. That's not even considering the energy you burn exercising or taking the stairs at work or crunching numbers at the computer all day. Uh oh--you are on a 2,000 calorie/day diet. At night, you find your stomach will not hush. The growling is just awful. Lately, your brain feels foggy at work. You can't sit up straight because your back hurts and you feel depressed.

Your poor brain wants food! Your body starts telling you to eat more!! All you can think about is what you are having for lunch. Images of sugarplums dance in your head. Mmmmm doughnuts... Impulsively, you grab a high calorie fix--a snickers and a bag of toastchee crackers--foods that aren't "bad", just not the most nutritious. If we treated our bodies like our cars, we'd be in trouble. Would you run your gas tank to fumes and then pour in the cheapest, least refined gas you could find?

"Eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside."
- Mark Twain

Start listening to your body. Trust in the fact that it knows best. If you crave Oreos, go eat some. Chances are, once you've had your fill, the craving will subside. You might even start to notice that an apple and some almonds give you much more energy as an afternoon snack than do some cookies. Actually, the cookies give you a headache about an hour after your eat them. Imagine craving fruit over candy and cake! Trust me, it's possible--and deep down, that's what your body wants.

"Let food by thy medicine."
-Hippocrates

Take a minute to take this quiz , developed by Dr. Karin Kratina,to see if you have a healthy relationship with food.

My attitute towards dieting and food healed itself when I had the good fortune of working with Dr. Kratina in Gainesville, FL, a leader in the nondiet movement. For more information, please visit her website.

Move away from restriction, and start living in your body! It's ready to tell you what it wants. Are you ready to listen?