The Imaginal Body – Nothing Imaginary about It!

May 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I have the privelege of doing a preconference workshop with Elaine Valois at the American Holistic Nurses Association convention in Utah. I have done study with Elaine and learning her technique of the Imaginal Body for healing and for greater awareness of who we are and what we are truly capable of doing and being!

The concept of “imaginal cells” has recently been used to describe the transformation of the catepillar into the butterfly – it is a beautiful process! Our workshop will explore the imaginal body as a dance with the physical body and observing/experiencing the wonderful possibilities:) The actual body carries the memories of stress, trauma and more. The imaginal body can be an agent for inner awareness and healing. This is really cool stuff!!

Elaine has done her homework and this is not a new concept! The ancient Egyptians describe it as the double/subtle body. There are ancient records about the imaginal cells (body). It is our belief that we can tap into this healing process where the actual and the imaginal body become one. Imagine the transformation that is available and possible.

Elaine and I will be presenting, sharing and guiding this workshop on June 13th in Snowbird, UT. Please check the AHNA website for registration information.

Filed Under: Natural Healing

Nia Exercise – Benefits for Cancer Survivors

April 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Nia, a fusion fitness program that blends the beauty of the dance arts (modern dance, Duncan Dance and jazz), the power and precision of the martial arts (tai chi, tae kwon do, aikido) along with the balance of the healing arts (yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique). Nia is for every body and is adaptable to many fitness levels. Developed by Debbie Rosas and Carlos AyaRosas, Nia has become an international sensation in the fitness world.

Personally, it meets my exercise needs for variety with cardio along with flexibility, grace, and strength training. I love the variety of music that does not allow me to get into entrainment and definitely keeps me to adherence – asking for what is next!?

I have used Nia fitness for over 10 years with people who are cancer survivors. There are concerns about moving a certain area, fatigue, and appearance. Nia is about body awareness and sensation – something that can be denied or ignored during treatment or after surgery. Nia is about pleasure and not pain. If it hurts, adjust or do not do it! Keep the body moving and have FUN! Fun – this is the key theme in our cancer survivor class. Students have shared the loving community they have found with Nia, acceptance, and feeling good to move their body (even from a chair)!

We have completed our research study on Nia fitness with breast cancer patients receiving radiation and currently in development of the manuscript. More to follow. Nia can and is being used by all people, all ages, all fitness levels – it is for Every Body! Enjoy:)

Filed Under: Nia

Antioxidants in Illness or Wellness – Essential Oils can Help

April 2, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Antioxidants can be beneficial in wellness and with certain illnesses. According to Eaton (2007), diseases that cause tissue trauma can compromise the body’s blood chemistry and require supplementation with antioxidants, amino acids, and trace elements. Oxidative stresses lead to DNA damage which has a correlation with the aging process as well as implications in the progress of some malignancies. Antioxidants and other nutritional supplements can help to repair damaged DNA.

Many essential oils act like antioxidants. Some examples include Clove and Thyme essential oils. Thyme essential oil is being used in some supplements to promote an antioxidant effect. Both Clove and Thyme essential oils are being researched for their benefits in cancer care.

For more information, go to www.essentialoilsforcancer.com
For a free report on the Top 5 Essential Oils in Cancer Care go to www.debrareis.com

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Estrogen Positive Cancer – Use Essential Oils?

March 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Those individuals with an estrogen positive cancer (or strong incidence) are able to use essential oils. However, there are a few oils that should be used with caution due to their estrogen-like qualities. These essential oils include Clary Sage, Fennel, and Geranium. Again, these oils act like estrogen and so many aromatherapists will be cautious about suggesting these oils for those with this type of cancer history. Notice that I did not say never use these oils but be cautious of how these estrogen like essential oils are used with an estrogen positive cancer.

There have been similar concerns with herbs and supplements with those who have an estrogen positive cancer. For example, black cohosh has helped many women with hot flashes but it is estrogen-like and often avoided in cancer. In addition, soy supplements are avoided for similar reasons. Many women will support a soy diet (different from supplements!) to control menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. There is very little research to support the use of these supplements and essential oils for those with a estrogen positive cancer thus it is suggested to be on the side of caution. There are many other options that can be used including other essential oils.

To learn more about this topic: www.essentialoilsforcancer.com
To sign up for free weekly holitic tips: www.debrareis.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ageless Grace Program – Functional Fitness at Any Age!

March 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

I just received certification as an Ageless Grace Educator! This is a fabulous program consisting of 21 Simple Tools for Lifelong Comfort and Ease; designed for all ages and all abilities. Ageless Grace is offered in the chair but do not let that fool you – it is an excellent body and mind program giving systemic fitness and core strengthening. I completed my training with Denise Medved and she has done major study and research in the area of staying healthy and fit at any age! Two or three of the 21 tools are practiced for NO MORE than 10 minutes total per day, everyday to get into the habit and integrate into a daily lifestyle. The goal is to move agelessly and gracefully throughout the years with comfort and ease!

I am looking forward to offering classes in my community as well as to cancer survivor groups. If you would like more information, check out www.agelessgrace.com. To review my classes or to connect about sessions, check out www.debrareis.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sacred Frankincense Shows Promise in Cancer Care

March 10, 2012 By 1 Comment

Sacred Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) essential oil is showing great promise in cancer care. This essential oil comes from the Boswellia sacra tree found in Oman. We are familiar with Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) essential oil and its full body fragrance familiar in religious ceremonies today and historically.
This Frankincense has been tested in several cancer trials and shown to be very effective against many types of cancer cells. Sacred Frankincense has similar qualities yet it is a lighter fragrance and higher in limonene than Boswellia carterii. There are also many studies on limonene showing its ability to inhibit tumor growth (Friedman, 2006). Therefore, there is promise that Sacred Frankincense may show even greater ability in its effectiveness against cancer. One study on Boswellia sacra (Suhail et al, 2012) showed that this essential oil induces tumor cell-specific apoptosis and suppresses tumor aggressiveness in cultured human breast cancer cells. Similar to Boswellia carterii, Sacred Frankincense targeted cancer cells and did not affect normal cells. Sacred Frankincense is known for assisting one to greater or deeper spiritual connection as now it is showing promise for cancer care.

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Raindrop Technique – Q & A about upcoming class

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A Raindrop Technique class will be provided this Saturday, March 3rd from 8:30am – 6:00pm in Ottawa Lake, MI. I have received several questions and inquiries about this class. The following will summarize those questions:

Why should I learn this technique?
Raindrop Technique (RT) developed by Gary Young, ND has shown to be a successful non-traditional means of helping current medical concerns. It is a wonderful tool to assist the body’s natural healing ability.

What essential oils are used?
There are 9 essential oils used in a traditional RT and are known to support the immune system, relax muscles, relieve discomfort, and balance energy (to name a few benefits).

What technique is used?
There are several techniques but one linked to RT is called Vita Flex. It is a technique that uses a rolling and releasing of the finers to activate certain points on the body and can aid in the healing process.

I have a DVD – why not learn from it?
The DVD is a great tool. However, Gary has suggested some changes in the technique. More importantly, it is difficult to really see the fine details of doing this technique. I thought I was doing it correctly and found out differently!

Where did you get your training?
I was blessed to learn RT in Ecuador and received instruction on hand technique, rationale and benefits from Gary Young which I would like to share with you.
This class will also give you details on the essential oils used, safety and benefits.
You will give and receive a RT session with guidance. This is a wonderful class and I hope you will join me.

Thanks,
Deb

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Tea Tree Essential Oil – Good for Cancer Care?

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oil – we know it has great qualities for fungal infections and also skin care. Did you know that Tea Tree essential oil also has a valuable role in cancer care? Yes, research has shown Tea Tree essential oil to be effective for prevention and treatment of oral fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals. This is something seen in people receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy. There are several reports of people using Tea Tree in water to rinse or gargle for mouth infections. Tea Tree also has been reported to be helpful with burns to reduce the inflammation.

Essential Oils for Cancer Care will be offered Friday, March 2 from 9-4:30pm at the Healing Arts Studio, Ottawa Lake, MI. To register, call or email me.
Also, read more about the role of essential oils and cancer care at the website: www.essentialoilsforcancer.com ; In addition, check out the Radiation Special Report for essential oils that protect and heal from radiation exposure.

Happy Oiling,
Deb :)

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Lavender Essential Oil & Cancer Care – Gentle yet Powerful

February 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Lavender essential oil is known for its relaxing and balancing qualities. However, lavender can have a powerful role in cancer care. Constituents from lavender have demonstrated anti-tumor effects in pancreatic and breast cancer cells (Prowell et al, 1996) and liver tumors (Mills et al, 1995). Some Hospice and Oncology Centers use lavender for pain management and insomnia. One study even showed lavender benefits for fatigue (2004). Overall, lavender essential oil is safe to use on the skin, inhalation or placing 1-2 drops in water or tea. Most lavender on store shelves is Lavandin and can still be labeled as Lavender. This is a different essential oil and should NOT be used in place of lavender. So, know your source for your lavender – the farm, growing and distillation process and handling. Individuals going through cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment should use caution with substances that have additives or solvents which is found in most store brands. Lavender is a wonderful essential oil with many benefits -do your homework on sources and Enjoy!

Filed Under: Aromatherapy

Ocotea Essential Oil – Cancer Preventative Properties

January 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ocotea (Ocotea brenesii) is from the leaf of a tree found in the rainforest of South America. It is being studied for its regulation of both blood sugar and blood pressure. There are many case reports about using Ocotea essential oil for these conditions.

Octoea also is known to decrease inflammation primarily in the gastric system. A 2010 Italian study found that Ocotea had significant antiinflammatory effect on the gastric system. The study reported Ocotea as being gastric sparing and cancer preventative.

Its sweet cinnamon fragrance make it a wonderful oil to flavor food or to add to a rice milk drink.

For more information about essential oils and cancer care,
visit my website at www.essentialoilsforcancer.com and check out
my FREE report on the Top 5 Oils for Cancer Care as well as
the Radiation Report (located at the top of the page).

Filed Under: Uncategorized
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