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Are Supplements Necessary? (part 4/4)

May 5th, 2012 by

Welcome to part 4, and the final post for the time being on supplements.

So now that you know supplements are necessary, the 4 vital supplements to take and the best form for your needs, we now need to get down to the nitty gritty, and that is what about the formulation?

When it comes to the formulation, this is where it gets even more complicated as every vitamin and mineral comes in different forms.

Below is list of the most effective formulations and of course what you should be buying. These formulations may be more expensive, but as with most things – you get what you pay for. As I’ve said previously, if you can’t afford the best, the best option is to take nothing at all.

  • B1 (thiamine): Thiamine HCl
  • B2 (riboflavin): Riboflavin-5-Phosphate
  • B3 (niacin): Niacinamide
  • B6 (pyridoxine): Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate
  • B5 (pantothenic acid): Pantethine
  • B12 (cobalamin): Hydroxyl-cobalamin
  • Vitamin D: Cholecalciferol
  • Vitamin E: d-alpha-tocopherol acetate/succinate
  • Folic Acid: Folinic Acid
  • Calcium: Calcium citrate/lactate/aspartate
  • Chromium: Chromium Picolinate
  • Iodine: Iodine Caseinate or Kelp
  • Iron: Heme Iron: hydrolised liver extract or ferrous succinate/fumerate
  • Magnesium: Magnesium aspartate
  • Potassium: Potassium aspartate/citrate
  • Zinc: Zinc picolinate/acetate/citrate/glycerate
  • Carnitine: L-acetylcarnitine
  • Glucosamine: Glucosamine Sulphate

Until my next post – Namaste
Rosi

 

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Are Supplements Necessary? (part 3/4)

May 1st, 2012 by

Welcome to part 3 of this post on supplements.

In this post I am looking at the way supplements are sold and which one is best for you.

Supplements are usually only available in the following 4 ways:

1. Liquid: liquids are the most easily absorbed by the body. They contain the least additives and no binders or fillers. If buying liquid herbs, always make sure that the herb contains a guaranteed amount of active ingredient, otherwise its like purchasing a vodka tonic without the vodka – no kick or effect! If you are buying liquid fish oil, always make sure that it has been stored in the fridge as it can become rancid quite quickly.

2. Powders: most supplements aren’t available as liquids, so powders are your next bet. These are usually more cost effective than capsules and have an added benefit in that they allow you to be flexible with your dose.

3. Capsules: although more expensive than powders, capsules containing a powdered form of the supplement inside are a lot more convenient and also protect the active ingredients from moisture and light, so they more likely to have a longer shelf-life.

4. Tablets: these are usually the cheapest but also the hardest for the body to break down and absorb due to the binders and fillers they contain.

In part 4 of this post, I will let you know what format is best; sulfate, oxide, citrate, amino acid chelate etc

Until then – Namaste
Rosi

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Are Supplements Necessary? (part 2/4)

Apr 26th, 2012 by

Welcome to part 2 of my post “Are Supplements Necessary?”. In part 1 of this post I explained why I believe supplements are needed in today’s busy, stressful lifestyle.

In this post I’m going to talk about the 4 supplements I believe everyone should be taking.

1. Fish/Krill Oil Capsules

Fish/krill oil are sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for a number of reasons. They have been shown to support the nervous system through protecting the nerve shaft, hence are great for stress and depression, they are great for kids brain development and learning ability, they reduce inflammation and therefore are excellent for arthritis, PMT, dry skin and hair and eczema.

When buying fish/krill oil capsules make sure you buy a high quality, mercury-tested, well known brand from either a chemist/pharmacy or health food store. Always make sure it hasn’t been stored in direct sunlight and that ideally it is sold in a dark brown glass jar rather than a plastic container.

2. Magnesium Capsules

I believe magnesium is a wonder supplement as it has so many wonderful affects on the body. Magnesium helps your muscles relax – so it is great for cramps and tired legs, it helps you sleep, it helps your body cope with stress and increases your energy naturally. It’s amazing to know that one thing does so much.

3. Vitamin C with Zinc and Bioflavonoids

Vitamin C is essential to the body as it supports the adrenal glands and the immune system. In addition to helping ward off colds and infection, Vitamin C is vital to help your body deal with stress. Since it is water soluble, it needs to be replenished daily.

4. Multivitamin

This I guess is a no-brainer. A high quality multivitamin will give you body a little of everything it needs in the right combination.

Now that you know the 4 most important supplements, just remember the following;

  • If you can’t afford a good quality brand in the right form (see my next post), then I recommend not taking any supplements at all
  • Remember, supplements are not miracle pills, you MUST always eat a healthy, wholefood diet, limiting processed and high fat, high sugar foods
  • Always store your supplements away from any form of heat or direct sunlight, so a cupboard over the stove or in the bathroom is not recommended

In part 3 of this post I will discuss the best form of supplement for your needs, and then in the final post – the most effective formulations to make sure your supplements are absorbed by your body – as you don’t want your hard earned money going down the toilet.

Until next time – Namaste
Rosi

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Are Supplements Necessary? (part 1/4)

Apr 23rd, 2012 by

Thank you to everyone for their wonderful comments, and apologies to all my readers for not submitting a post over the past few weeks – life just seemed to take over. I’m now back and will continue to blog at least twice a week.

In my next 3 posts I want to look at whether its really important to take supplements, and if yes, which ones should you take.

To start off, are supplements necessary?

I must admit it can be confusing, particularly when you have one group of health professionals saying NO you don’t need supplements as everything you need you can get from your diet, and another group saying YES, everyone should be taking them.

I fall into the second group as unfortunately due to our busy stressful lives and the poor quality of our food these days, supplements are necessary. But not just any supplements. They MUST be of high quality. If you can’t afford the best, then my recommendation is  – don’t take any as you will be wasting your money.

There are hundreds of different combinations of supplements out there and it can be really confusing, and lets not forget very expensive.

I believe that there are really only 4 supplements that everyone should be taking just to stay healthy. If you have a specific concern, then on top of these 4 basic supplements, you will need extras, depending on your health issue.

What are the best supplements to take?

Well when it comes to supplements, those made from food sources are of course the best as they are the most natural and effective. The only problem with these are that they are very expensive, can usually only be purchased through pyramid scheme companies and you need to take quite a high dosage.

So if you’re like most of us on a limited budget, synthetic supplements are your only other option.

In part 2 of this post, I will cover exactly what the 4 supplements are, in part 3 I will discuss the best form of supplement for you and in the final post – the most effective formulation for all vitamins and minerals.

Until then Namaste
Rosanna

 

 

 

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30 Day Energy Challenge (part 2)

Mar 26th, 2012 by

Welcome to part 2 of this post. In part 1 I discussed the benefits of this challenge, now I will present you with the challenges.

Below is a list of activities that will move you forward towards a new way of life. Not only are they highly effective but they also allow you to step out of your comfort zone. If you are serious about increasing your energy, make a promise to yourself to invest some time in creating your future.

Chose a minimum of 14 of the following 18 activities and commit to completing them in the 30 day period.

Activities

  1. Eat a healthy breakfast every day including protein (eggs, milk, yogurt, nuts), carbohydrates (wholegrain toast, oats, wheatgerm) and fruit (no more than 1 piece)
  2. Reduce your caffeine (coffee/tea) intake to 2 cups per day and drink at least 8 cups of water per day, this can include caffeine-free herbal teas. Avoid all soft drinks and fruit juices, as they are high in sugar.
  3. Spend 20 minutes a day in silence or meditation while gardening, painting, listening to music, focusing on your breathe, a flower, a mantra, a burning flame, whatever feels right for you, and takes you within – away from your chattering mind
  4. At the end of each day spend some quiet time writing in your journal. This is a great place to jot down your thoughts, feelings, ideas, impressions, reactions – anything that you experienced during the day. It’s also a great way to increase your awareness of who you are and what you want.
  5. Listen to music that inspires and uplifts you for at least 30 minutes each day. Research shows that music has a major impact on your body and mind.
  6. Before going to bed, share an inspiring passage or quote with your partner or read it aloud to yourself
  7. Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, but remember to listen to what your body’s needs as these change daily
  8. Go to bed by 10pm, your body needs adequate rest to function properly
  9. Get up an extra 30 minutes earlier and use this extra time to exercise, go outside and spend time in nature, write in your journal, listen to music, meditate etc
  10. Develop a positive, uplifting, empowering mantra/affirmation and repeat it silently to yourself throughout the day
  11. Breathe deeply and slowly. Just taking 3 slow deep breaths in a row can truly do wonders to your state as it feeds your mind and body with the oxygen and nutrients it needs. If you want to stimulate your body, exhale through the mouth as this activates your sympathetic nervous system. If you want to relax your body, exhale through the nose as this stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system.
  12. Master your thoughts, challenge each negative thought and replace it with it’s opposite
  13. Write down your dreams in as much detail as possible, and know that they are currently being brought into creation
  14. One of the most important things we forget is to have fun, so do something silly, something that makes you laugh and lets you forget about yourself for a moment. What did you like doing as a child? What gives you pleasure or puts a smile on your face?
  15. Be gentle with yourself, stop expecting so much, treat yourself as you would a 4 year old child
  16. Do something creative – paint, dance, sing, write music etc. Using the right side of your brain is important as it allows you to tap into your unconscious mind.
  17. Step out of your comfort zone and do something new every day e.g. go to work via a different route, sleep on the other side of the bed, try a new gym class, eat something new for breakfast
  18. Nature has such a major impact on how we feel so make it a priority to spend time with nature every day e.g. hug a tree, run barefoot through the grass, sit or lie on the grass

At the end of the 30 days see how you feel.

Are you more focused? Do you have more energy? Are your goals clearer? Do you feel lighter? Are you more excited about life? Are you more spontaneous? Do you feel freer?

All of the above and more can be the result of your 30 Energy Challenge. So take a chance and make a difference to your life!

Namaste
Rosi

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30-Day Energy Challenge (part 1)

Mar 23rd, 2012 by

We all know that fatigue has many causes – some physical, others mental or even emotional.

If you’ve been struggling with non-medical fatigue, then it’s just not enough to change one aspect of your life. To alleviate fatigue you need to not only look at your diet, but also at the way you think, the way you see the world and the way you live your life. Change needs to happen on all 3 levels, physical, mental and emotional if you really want a successful result.

So if you are truly frustrated with the results you have been achieving, now is the time to try something different. What’s the old saying; “If you keep doing the same thing, you will continue to get the same result”.  

I’ve put together the 30-Day Energy Challenge to help push you out of your same-ole, same-ole comfort zone and try something different. What have you got too lose? It can’t hurt – and it may just work!

The Energy Challenge is about addressing fatigue at a holistic level – physical, mental and emotional. It is a major spring clean of your body, mind and spirit.

So how does the 30-Day Energy Challenge Work?

All you need to complete the program is yourself and a desire for increased energy and vitality.

The objective of life is not just to reach a goal or destination, but to enjoy the journey, so lighten up and have fun!

In part 2 of this post, I will present you with a list of activities that will move you forward towards a new way of life. Not only are they highly effective but they also allow you to step out of your comfort zone. If you are serious about increasing your energy, make a promise to yourself to invest some time in creating your future.

All you need do is select a minimum of 14 of the following 18 activities and commit to completing them in the 30 day period.

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Harnessing the Power of Thinking to Increase Energy

Mar 21st, 2012 by

Did you know that your Chi or energy carries your thoughts and that these have the ability to affect both how you feel and how your life looks?

Hundreds of random thoughts flow through your mind at every moment – each of them having the power to influence your emotional and physical state in a positive or negative way depending on what they are.

To test this hypothesis, remember a painful situation for 20-30 seconds. How do you feel? Now remember or imagine a happy and joyful moment for 20-30 seconds. How do you feel now?

Hopefully you are now clear on how your thoughts can change how you feel both physically and emotionally.

Without being aware of your thoughts, you are actually allowing life to happen to you rather than you being the conscious creator.

Take a good look at your life, as it is an accurate indicator or mirror of the quality of your thoughts. The simple truth is that ‘like attracts like’. If your thoughts are constantly negative, then you may find yourself feeling down, lethargic, unmotivated, having headaches and general aches and pain. Life will feel like a struggle and it will be difficult to find joy in the simple things around you.

In addition, negative thinking creates stress, and stress is the number one cause of major health problems. While it’s not easy to always be positive, particularly when life throws you a curved ball, the goal is to be realistic and aware of your critical thinking.

Sometimes our thoughts focus on ‘the what ifs’ – things that haven’t happened and may not even happen, or on ‘should haves’. Neither of these help you to move forward, as you can’t control the future, nor can you change the past. So stay focused on the now and on what you can control.

In summary, if you want to change any part of your life, you need to start by simply being aware of your thoughts.

In future posts I will present strategies for changing your thinking.

Namaste
Rosi

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Power Start Your Day with High Energy Chi Breakfast Mix (part 2)

Mar 19th, 2012 by

In part 2 of this post, I discuss why and how the high energy chi breakfast mix works.

Almonds: Almonds have a warming nature and sweet flavour. They relieve stagnant Chi energy. They are also useful in certain types of constipation. Almonds alkalise the blood, are high in mono-unsaturated fats useful in reducing risk of heart disease. They are high in magnesium that is needed for energy production. Eating almonds also reduces the glycemic index (GI) of your meal resulting in a decrease in your after-meal rises in blood sugar.

Amaranth: Amaranth has a cooling nature and a sweet flavour. It is high in protein (up to 18%), vitamin C, fibre and the amino acids methionine and lysine (needed by cold sore sufferers). It contains more calcium and the supporting calcium cofactors – magnesium and silicon than milk. Amaranth dries up internal dampness (mucus) and benefits the lungs. Regular consumption can also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Black sesame seeds: Neutral nature with sweet flavour. Black sesame seeds tonify the Yin fluids, blood and organs of the body and support the kidney and liver meridians. They help calm the nervous system and are great for insomnia. They also promote regular bowel movement and reduce cholesterol in the body. They are a good source of calcium, copper, protein, iron, phosphorous, magnesium and EFAs. These nutrients help to support healthy bones, muscles, blood, and nervous system.

Cinnamon: Warming and sweet. Cinnamon has may health benefits including; reducing platelet aggregation and inflammation and having an anti-microbial effect by helping stop the growth of bacteria, fungi and Candida. Cinnamon also helps the body utilise blood sugar by slowing down the rate at which the stomach empties after meals thereby reducing the rise in blood sugar. Recent research has shown that cinnamon may also boost brain activity. Cinnamon can also be used as a tea with ginger to provide relief from a cold or flu.

Coconut: Warming and sweet. Coconut builds the Yin fluids in the body. It boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance. It improves digestion and the absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It improves insulin secretion and the utilisation of blood glucose.

Flaxseeds/Linseeds: Neutral nature with sweet flavour. Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, magnesium, potassium. Linseeds contain fibre that protects your gut and prevents the absorption of bile acids. They help to eliminate waste, prevent constipation, and aid regular bowel movement. They are excellent for irritable bowel syndrome.

Lecithin: Natural fat emulsifier in the body that prevents fat cells from accumulating in the liver. Research has also shown that lecithin may assist in preventing Alzheimer’s, supporting healthy breast cells and glandular functioning, preventing gallstones and promoting gall-bladder health.

Oats: Warming nature with sweet-slightly bitter flavour. Oats are soothing, restoring the nervous and reproductive systems. They also strengthen the spleen meridian, remove cholesterol from the digestive tract and arteries and strengthen cardiac muscles. They are high in silicon helping renew bones and connective tissues. Oats also contain phosphorus required for brain and nerve formation. They are a great food for individuals who are weak and deficient.

Pumpkin seeds: Neutral nature with sweet-bitter flavour. Pumpkin seeds support the large intestine and spleen meridians. They are a valuable source of zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition they are high in magnesium, manganese and phosphorus, and a good source of iron, copper and protein.
Recent research shows that they may also assist in reducing cholesterol.

Sunflower seeds: Warming nature with sweet flavour. Sunflower seeds are beneficial for the spleen meridian acting as a chi energy tonic. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium and selenium. Numerous studies have demonstrated that magnesium helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent migraine headaches, as well as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Magnesium is also necessary for healthy bones and energy production.

Walnuts: Walnuts help improve kidney Yang deficiency, a major factor in adrenal fatigue. They are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Omega-3s are considered to provide cardiovascular protection, promote cognitive function and offer anti-inflammatory benefits helpful in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition, walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid that supports the immune system and appears to have several anti-cancer properties. Since walnuts contain relatively high levels of l-arginine, an essential amino acid, they may also assist in reducing hypertension.

By making the high energy chi breakfast mix a part of your daily morning meal you will start the day with your body firing on all cylinders.

Namaste
Rosi

As with anything else presented on this blog, those with medical concerns should consult a professional before changing their diet. This article is meant to share information and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult your physician or other health practitioner if you have questions about the appropriate foods for your condition.

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Power Start Your Day with High Energy Chi Breakfast Mix (part 1)

Mar 16th, 2012 by

Do you find that come mid-morning you can’t concentrate, feel sluggish and out-of-sorts?

Then it could be due to the fact that your body needs some high powered, Chi-rich, nutritional energy.

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it affects your mood, energy levels and your ability to focus and concentrate. However making sure that you eat the right type of food is just as important as making sure that you eat breakfast.

Whether you are a yogurt eater, shake drinker, porridge or cereal lover, you can benefit from adding the Chi Breakfast Mix to your food.

The reason the Energy Chi Breakfast Mix works is that it:

  • is high in the essential nutrients that your body needs to function effectively
  • increases your body’s Chi
  • balances the Yin/Yang energies in the body
  • supports your meridians

High Energy Chi Breakfast Mix

  • Almonds – ground organic
  • Amaranth
  • Black sesame seeds – ground organic
  • Cinnamon
  • Coconut
  • Flaxseeds/Linseeds
  • Lecithin
  • Oats – organic
  • Pumpkin seeds – organic
  • Sunflower seeds – organic
  • Walnuts – ground organic

Mix ingredients together and store in airtight container in the fridge. Add several tablespoons to your breakfast shake, yogurt, cereal or porridge.

In part 2 of this post, I will explain why and how the mix works.

Namaste
Rosi

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Insomnia – A Chi Imbalance (part 2)

Mar 14th, 2012 by

In part 1 of this post, I presented the impact Chi has on your sleeping patterns. In this post I will discuss the causes of insomnia according to TCM.

From a TCM perspective, insomnia originates as a disharmony of the heart meridian and the Shen. The Shen (a type of Chi) can be thought of as your spirit or psych while the heart is responsible for ‘housing the Shen.’  A disruption in the ability of the heart to hold the Shen or an aggravation of the Shen itself can lead to insomnia.

The following meridian systems and Chi imbalances can affect the ability of the heart to house the Shen or disrupt the Shen directly:

Yin/Yang Imbalance
Insufficient tranquillity (deficient Yin energy) or excess stimulation (excess Yang energy) can aggravate the Shen. This yin/yang imbalance can be addressed by increasing Yin energy through meditation, ChiYo, breathing exercises or listening to relaxing music and decreasing Yang energy through avoiding excess mental stimulation especially before sleeping.

Spleen Meridian Imbalance
Overwork, physical or mental exhaustion, excessive worry and over-thinking, irregular diet, excessive intake of cold and raw food can all damage your spleen Chi. As the spleen is responsible for blood production, if the spleen is weak it the heart and Shen.

Kidney Meridian Imbalance
The kidneys, like all the body’s organs, store energy. When the kidney’s ability to store energy is compromised, by anxiety and fear, traumatic experiences, ageing, major illnesses, the cold and overworking, and it’s Yin energy is depleted, it will not be able to nourish or support the heart, so the Shen cannot rest.

Liver Meridian Imbalance
Anxiety, anger, irritability, frustration, resentment, repressed emotions, excessive stress, fatty foods and alcohol impair the normal functions of the liver meridian, resulting in liver Chi stagnation. This liver Chi stagnation results in reduced blood flow to the heart, reducing the ability of the heart to house the Shen.  Overtime, this stagnation causes heat which rises up and disrupts the heart and the Shen.

Stomach Meridian Imbalance
Overindulgence in greasy or sweet foods can result in the retention of fluids and phlegm in the stomach, causing heat which disrupts the Shen.

Future posts will cover how to balance each of these meridians.

Namaste
Rosi

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Insomnia – A Chi Imbalance (part 1)

Mar 12th, 2012 by

In previous posts I’ve discussed the impact Chi has on weight loss and weight gain, and also on general health. In this post I’m going to focus on its impact on your sleep.

Do you toss and turn every night, have vivid disturbing dreams or are unable to either fall asleep or stay asleep?

It could be that you are suffering from a Chi energy imbalance.

Restful sleep is a sign of internal Chi balance. Sleep, like healthy eating and exercise is a vital and important part of well-being. Regularly disturbed sleep reduces your energy levels and your mental abilities, it negatively affects your moods, increases the time it takes to recover from illnesses and makes you more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

Types of Insomnia

When looking at insomnia, TCM believes that there are four main types and each one has a different cause and therefore a different treatment approach.

Dream-disturbed sleep: Do you dream constantly? Do your dreams affect the quality of your sleep? If you find that you have nightmares, then you could have a gall-bladder meridian imbalance. If you find that you can’t sleep because your mind is constantly on overdrive, then you may have a spleen meridian imbalance.

Difficulty falling asleep: Do you lie awake, tossing and turning for hours? You may have a liver meridian imbalance.

Waking up easily: Do you fall asleep easily, but then wake up and find it difficult to go back to sleep again? This may indicate a spleen imbalance.

Waking up at a specific time every night: Do you find that no matter what time you go to sleep, you wake up at the same time during the night? In TCM theory, the body’s Chi circulates through the twelve main meridians at a specific time of day and spends 2 hours in each one. Each meridian relates to an internal organ and each organ relates to specific emotions.

In part 2 of this post, I will present the different causes of insomnia according to TCM.

Namaste
Rosi

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Lose it with Chi

Mar 9th, 2012 by

In my previous post I discussed the impact meridians have on your ability to loose weight. In this post I will look at Chi and its impact on weight gain and loss.

Are you trying to lose a few extra kilos, but having no success?

TCM offers a unique and effective approach to weight loss success.

According to TCM, the inability to lose weight is due to a specific Chi deficiency and not solely a function of taking in more calories than what your body needs.

The exact Chi deficiency is different for each person, however in most cases of weight gain, although there may be several meridian imbalances, there is always a spleen Chi deficiency.

In basic terms, a spleen Chi deficiency results in weak digestion and the inability of your body to absorb or transport food effectively. This means that no matter what or how much you eat, you are left feeling tired, sluggish and hungry, causing you to turn to more food to satisfy your hunger and create energy.

A spleen Chi deficiency can be caused by eating late at night, eating on the run or when stressed, eating too many sweet or cold foods or drinks, too little sleep, excessive worrying or mental exertion or lack of movement. All factors which most of us have to deal with every day.

In addition to weight gain and/or the inability to lose weight, other symptoms of spleen Chi deficiency include; anxiety, dizziness, mood swings, period problems, bowel irregularities, bloating, heavy feeling in the body, loss of muscle tone, lack of energy, feeling un-nurtured, neediness or addictive behaviours.

Since all the meridians are dependent on each other, and for good health there must a free flow of Chi throughout the body, if this spleen Chi deficiency is not addressed, the entire body will be affected, leading to further internal imbalance and dis-ease.

When addressing this or any other Chi imbalance, it is essential that a specific health plan tailored to suit your individual constitution and internal imbalances is developed. There are no ‘one-fits-all’ treatment plans in balancing Chi.

In future posts I will present great recipes for each of the 5 types.

Namaste
Rosi

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The Meridian Principle to a Healthy Weight

Mar 7th, 2012 by

If you’ve read my previous post on meridians, then you know how important they are to all aspects of wellbeing. In this post, I am going to discuss how meridian blockages can lead to difficulty losing weight.

Trying to lose weight, but fighting a losing battle?

The answer may lie with your meridians.

We all know the simple mathematics that if you eat more calories than you use, then you will put on weight. This is irrefutable. The Western catch cry is ‘eat less, exercise more’. Even though this is great advice, Oriental medicine believes that things aren’t always so black and white.

Being overweight seems to be a concern for the majority of people. The main problem with being overweight is not that you lack energy, but the fact that it increases your susceptibility to other serious life-threatening conditions.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an overweight condition is seen as a result of a meridian imbalance. Depending on which meridian is out of balance determines where you will carry the extra weight. Based on this principle, to loose weight effectively you need to understand or know which type of meridian imbalance type you belong to.

There are 5 basic overweight types associated with the 5 pairs of meridians.

When considering exercise for weight loss, if the exercise is not suited to your emotional and physical type, the chances are that its effects will not be deep or long-lasting. So when deciding on a form of exercise, ask yourself ‘what feels right’, as your body always knows what it needs.

  • Type A : body has an overall rounded appearance
  • Type B: tend to store fat on chest, stomach and legs
  • Type C: tend to store fat on waist, hips and thighs
  • Type D: least likely to store fat
  • Type E: tend to store fat in abdomen and chest

In my next post I will discuss the impact Chi has on weight loss and weight gain.

Namaste
Rosi

 

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Meridians – Energy Channels for Health & Vitality

Mar 5th, 2012 by

If you’ve been reading my previous posts, you know that Chi, which is made of both yin and yang energy, is your life force or the energy that sustains you and everything in the universe.

Well this Chi travels through your body along invisible energy channels called meridians.

These meridians act like your circulatory system, but instead of circulating blood throughout the body, they circulate Chi. Since they carry your Chi, which is responsible for your well-being, they are a useful means of detecting imbalances in the organs and body before chronic problems develop.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is believed that when the body’s meridians are blocked and Chi is unable to flow freely, becoming disturbed, stagnant, imbalanced or depleted, dis-ease and illness begin to take form. Since all parts of the body are interconnected, if one of the meridians is blocked, the entire body system is affected.

There are 10 major meridians each corresponding to a particular organ (kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, heart, small intestine, lungs, large intestines) and each one having have a particular characteristic that affects your body on a physiological and emotional level.

So when there is an imbalance or blockage in one of the meridians, the symptoms you experience will depend on which meridian is affected.

To complicate things further, the 10 meridians are paired up. That means that there are 5 pairs of meridians, with one of the meridians having Yin energy and the other Yang energy. In addition, each pair belongs to one of 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, and these 5 elements are related to the different seasons of the year, colours and emotions.

Balancing and freeing your Chi is the ultimate goal in restoring overall health and well-being. By knowing and understanding each of the 10 major meridians means that you can learn how to balance them when blockages occur and reduce the chance of dis-ease.

In future posts I will look at the individual meridians in further detail.

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How to Use the Power of Yin & Yang to Increase Your Energy (part 2)

Mar 2nd, 2012 by

If you’ve read part 1 of this post you now under the concept of Yin/Yang, so this post will focus on how this affects you in your every day life.

Everything in your life, whether it be the food you eat, your personality, your job, your activities, the music you listen to, your moods, your emotions, the colours around you, the climate where you live etc, can all be defined as either having either mainly Yin or Yang energy. So it’s about balancing these two energies. In a state of good health, Yin/Yang harmoniously support and depend on each.

You can apply the principles of Yin/Yang to your every day life. For example, if you are constantly on the go, have a fast-paced career, participate in competitive sports, have a tendency to want everything yesterday and love to push yourself, all Yang qualities, to achieve internal balance and well-being, you need to include Yin energy eg meditation, yoga, tai chi etc in your life.

If this balance is not achieved, then another factor comes into play and that is that if something is extremely Yin or Yang, then it will become its opposite. For example, excess Yang as the example given above, will eventually become a Yin condition leading to fatigue and exhaustion, forcing your body to achieve stillness and rest through illness.

Below are a few examples of Yin/Yang qualities. As you read through them, notice which energy (Yin or Yang) is the most prevalent and which energy (the opposite) you need to include to achieve balance and well-being.

Are You Predominantly Yin or Yang?

Yin Personal Characteristics

  • Cool or weak body with moist skin and/or pale complexion
  • Reserved, introverted, complacent or passive personality
  • Feminine
  • Serene, unclear, dreamy
  • Soft voice
  • Intuitive
  • Move slowly

Yang Personal Characteristics

  • Warm body with dry skin and/or red complexion
  • Outgoing, extravert, hyperactive personality
  • Masculine
  • Focused, aggressive, impatient
  • Loud voice
  • Logical
  • Move quickly and with a sense of urgency

 

Yin Activities

  • Relaxing & calming
  • Intellectual
  • Passive
  • Social
  • Gentle
  • Self-indulgent

Yang Activities

  • Competitive & fast
  • Physical
  • Aggressive
  • Fast
  • Involve accuracy
  • Intense

Yin Jobs: sedentary roles that require creativity, involve concepts and ideas, and have little or no responsibility

Yang Jobs: physically demanding roles that require attention to detail, have strict deadlines, high responsibility and involve leadership

Yin Foods

  • Cold foods
  • Sweet or spicy taste
  • Soft creamy texture
  • Require very short cooking time
  • Vegetables

Yang Foods

  • Hot or warm foods
  • Salty or savoury taste
  • Dry texture
  • Foods that take time to cook
  • Animal foods

Now that you have a better idea of how much yin and yang energy you have in your life, balance should be your goal if you want to achieve well-being. So listen to your body as it will always tell you what it needs to achieve this balance.

Namaste
Rosi

 

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How to Use the Power of Yin & Yang to Increase Your Energy (part 1)

Feb 29th, 2012 by

In my previous posts I introduced the concept of Chi and how it contains both yin and yang energies to help you achieve wellbeing. In part 1 of this post I will explain the terms yin and yang.

Everything in your life consists of both Yin/Yang energy. When these two energies are in harmony, health and well-being results. An imbalance causes dis-ease.

In essence, Yin/Yang are relative terms used to describe everything in your life. Everything around you and in you, has these energies. Nothing is purely Yin or Yang but contains both energies in varying amounts. You cannot have one without the other. Neither one is better, with both being needed for balance and well-being.

The basic idea of Yin/Yang is that the only constant in your world is continual change. In other words, nothing remains the same; no disease, no condition, no emotion, absolutely everything is continually changing. In the same way, Yin/Yang are in a constant state of change, complementing and opposing each other.

Yin literally means the ‘dark side of the mountain’ representing: darkness, night, coldness, stillness, winter, autumn, earth, moisture, passivity, femaleness, black, blue, silver, moon, water etc. Yin energy maintains and endures, it is nourishing and supports growth and development. Reflection and stillness create Yin energy.

Yang on the other-hand is translated as the ‘bright side of the mountain’ representing light, maleness, day, warmth, heaven, activity, sun, dominance, spring, red, orange, yellow, summer etc. Yang energy is creative and generating, it develops and expands; it is aggressive, dynamic and full of movement. The power of Yang energy is what drives creativity. Passion and fire fuel Yang energy.

The Yin/Yang energies within your body and within each organ need to be in balance for your body to function in harmony. If there is an imbalance with your body’s systems, with either too much Yin or too much Yang, you will experience disharmony or dis-ease. To achieve wellness, you need to balance work (yang) and play (yin) and indulgence (yin) and discipline (yang).

Traditional Chinese Medicine, shiatsu, feng shui, acupressure and acupuncture all apply these principles of Yin/Yang in restoring well-being.

In part 2 of this post I will help you determine if you have more yin or yang energy.

Namaste
Rosi

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Want More Energy? Increase Your Chi With Food (part 2)

Feb 27th, 2012 by

Welcome to part 2 of this post on ways to increase your energy with food.

Raised in the Wild:When possible choose meats, poultry and fish that has been raised in the wild as this means that their Chi will be high.

Mood: In order to utilize the Chi in your food, make sure you are relaxed when eating.

80% Rule: For optimal Chi, eat until you are 80% full. Too much food can disorder Chi, not enough food weakens your Chi.

Balance of Flavors: Ensure that your meals contain a combination of the five flavors; sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and salty. Each flavor has a certain effect on your body, so it’s important to ensure that they are balanced.

Hydration: Water is vital for life and for the creation of Chi, so make sure you replenish this daily.

Balance Yin & Yang: All life on earth balances two complementary and opposite natural forces: expansion and contraction or yin and yang. Contraction holds our bodies together while expansive forces enable us to breathe, move around, think and feel. To stay in good health your body needs to keep both forces in balance. To do this you need to eat a balance of both expansive and contractive foods.

If you feel heavy, slow, hot, tense, sluggish, constipated, frustrated, irritable or too intense, you need to eat more Yin or expansive food such as fruit, honey, milk, yogurt, salads, tomatoes, potatoes and vegetables.

If you have sweet cravings, energy bursts followed by fatigue, cold hands and feet, no will power, feel moody, dreamy, spaced out or confused, irregular bowels, recurring colds and infections, you need to eat more Yang or contractive foods such as cheese, eggs, meat, nuts and tuna.

By following these simple, yet powerful tips, you can increase your energy and improve your health by facilitating your Chi.

Namaste
Rosi

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Want More Energy? Increase Your Chi With Food (part 1)

Feb 24th, 2012 by

In my previous 2 posts I discussed ways to increase the Chi in your life, by changing things around you. In the next 2 posts I am going to present ways to increase your energy and therefore your Chi with food.

First of all – why increase your Chi? What are the benefits of having healthy, free flowing Chi?

Chi is necessary for life. It’s what gives you your spark and keeps you firing on all cylinders. To be healthy, your Chi must be plentiful and circulate easily. If your Chi is weak or becomes blocked, problems will arise. So it makes sense to strengthen your Chi and work on improving its circulation through diet, Chi exercises, your environment and your thoughts.

All living things carry Chi energy. This includes the food you eat. The following Chi food principles can guide you towards a diet that restores your body’s natural, self-healing abilities by increasing your Chi.

Organically Grown: Eat fresh organic locally grown produce, as these are very high in natural Chi.

In Season: Eat according to the season. In winter eat more pressure-cooked grains, roots and hearty soups, while in summer cook less and eat more salads. The Chi in food is affected by the seasons, so you want your food to support the Chi around you.

Natural: Avoid unrefined processed high-stress foods containing preservatives, artificial colors and flavors that delete Chi.

Locally Grown: If grown locally and in season the nature of the food’s Chi should be in tune with the Chi of the local environment and is more likely to meet the body’s needs.

Look out for part 2 of this post where I will present additional ways to increase your energy with food.

Namaste
Rosi

 

 

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Need More Oomph – Ways to Increase Chi in Your World (part 2)

Feb 22nd, 2012 by

Welcome to part 2 of my post on how to increase Chi in your life.

Avoid Chi Drainers: These are activities, people or places that drain your energy and leave you feeling depleted.

Colours: Colours have a major impact on your emotions and energy levels. Some colours such as red are very stimulating and can be great when you need an energy pick-me-up, while other colors such as blue are very calming and are perfect in the bedroom or after a hard day at work. So surround yourself and wear colours that make you feel good. Just remember that as your personal energy changes, the colours that you need around you also need to change to complement what’s happening internally.

Music: Music has a major impact on your emotional state and energy levels, so make sure you listen to music that makes you feel good – this will increase your Chi.

Have Fun: Be spontaneous – laugh. Do something silly! Do what you love. If you don’t enjoy your day then your Chi will naturally become suppressed. Sometimes you need to ‘fake it till you make it’. By making yourself laugh you will be increasing your Chi which will in turn will naturally increase your feeling of well-being.

Nature: Spend time in nature or bring the outdoors in with flowers and plants as these all impart positive healing Chi.

Balance Yin & Yang: Yin and yang are polar opposites of each other, complementing each other. They are found in all things in life and both are needed for a healthy balanced life. The ideal is to balance these two opposing energies for harmony and health. – balance darkness with light, warmth with cold etc. I will discuss yin and yang in my next post.

By following these simple, yet powerful tips, you can increase your energy and improve your health by facilitating your Chi.

Namaste
Rosi

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Need More Oomph – Ways to Increase Chi in Your World (part 1)

Feb 20th, 2012 by

If you’ve been reading my previous posts, then you know the importance of Chi in relation to your health and energy levels. In this post, I will be presenting some ways to increase Chi in your life.

Are you finding it hard to get motivated, inspired or excited?

Then perhaps you need to increase your Chi.

Chi is your life force, your spark or the ‘fire in the belly’. It exists not only inside you but around you in your home and the world you live in. Your own personal Chi is always mixing with the Chi around you.

If you want to increase your Chi you need to look at the food you eat, the way you move your body, the thoughts you have and also at your environment.

The Chi you take in from your environment, including clothes, sounds, light, color and people, influences your moods, emotions, physical energy and over time, your health. That’s why it’s so important that the Chi around you is not only plentiful and free flowing but that it’s harmonious and it supports you. This is the basis of Feng Shui.

Creating harmony in your environment will promote inner balance, reduce stress, slow down early ageing and allow vitality to flow through your body.

Below are some easy tips on ways to help you get some more zing in your life.

Natural Clothing: Wear clothing made from natural materials such as cotton and wool, as synthetic fabrics can prevent the natural flow of Chi to and from your energy field.

Remove Clutter: The space around you is one key indicator to what is going on in your mind, and therefore your life. To enhance your Chi, discard items that no longer hold value for you with the intention of releasing the old thoughts, beliefs, and emotions attached to them. By clearing out items, you open the path for new energy to enter your life.

No Chemicals: Chemicals can block the flow of Chi. Start using natural cleaning products, pesticides and cosmetics.

Natural Light: Whenever possible live and work in natural light as it provides healthy, harmonious Chi, while artificial lighting can drain your Chi.

Don’t forget to look out for part 2 of this post, where I will present a few additional ways to increase your Chi.

Namaste
Rosi

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Why Chi is Important for Energy and Wellbeing

Feb 17th, 2012 by

In my last post I introduced the concept of Chi. In this post, I want to explain its importance in relation to your general health and how you feel.

Chi, also known as life-force, prana, ki, qi, essence, spirit or life energy, is the basic energy of the universe, existing in all things.

Chi is breath. It is the energy and vitality that sustains and nourishes you and activates your spirit. It is obtained from the food you eat, the water you drink and the air you breathe. Everything you see, touch, think or experience is made up of Chi. Your whole existence is determined by Chi.

All parts of your life, your physical health, mental alertness and emotional stability are all dependent on the flow of Chi in and around your body. The free flow of this vital energy is seen as imperative to your health and well-being. Summoning, conserving and using Chi is an important factor in maintaining a healthy and happy life.

The quality of your Chi is reflected in the way you feel, think and behave.

  • Excited about doing something? Your Chi is probably strong.
  • Unmotivated? It’s probably weak.
  • Angry, frustrated or depressed? It’s probably stuck.

Within your body, Chi flows through blood and along energy channels called meridians. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) it is believed that when these channels or meridians are blocked and Chi is unable to flow freely, becoming disturbed, stagnant, imbalanced or depleted, dis-ease and illness begin to take form.

Your flow of Chi can be impeded by poor diet, lack of or excessive exercise, poor breathing and posture, scar tissue and psychological stress.

Symptoms of inadequate, blocked or low quality Chi can include feeling tired and listless, sleeping poorly, low creativity and productivity, difficulty coping with illness, poor circulation, feeling unmotivated and irritable.

By understanding how important Chi is to your well-being, you can now take steps to ensure healthy, free flowing Chi.

In future posts I will present ways to increase your Chi.

Namaste
Rosi

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TCM Secret to Increasing Your Energy

Feb 15th, 2012 by

This is the first of many posts where I will be discussing energy, fatigue and general wellbeing from a TCM (traditional chinese medicine) perspective.

Can you remember the last time you woke up energetic and ready to face the day?

In today’s face-paced stressful lifestyle it’s not surprising that more and more people are having to cope with constant fatigue whether it be chronic fatigue, adrenal fatigue, stress-related fatigue, PMT-related fatigue, illness-related fatigue, menopause-related fatigue, weight-related fatigue etc.

If you are one of these people, then you know how debilitating it can be, as it can affect all aspects of your life. You may experience fatigue on a:

  • mental level: poor memory, concentration, creativity and productivity, impaired decision making and judgement
  • physical level: headaches, dizziness, sore or aching muscles, muscle weakness, slowed reflexes and responses, appetite loss, reduced immune system function, blurry vision
  • emotional level: low motivation, moodiness, irritability, inability to deal with stress or strong emotions

In TCM, fatigue is believed to be the result of not having enough healthy Chi or energy circulating freely in the body, causing an internal imbalance. Address the imbalance/s and the fatigue is gone.

Chi, is known throughout the world by many names: qi, essence, life-force, ki, prana, spirit or life energy. Basically it is what keeps us alive. It is found in everything that exists in the universe.

Every part of your life, your physical health, mental alertness and emotional stability all depend on the flow of Chi in and around you. The free flow of this energy is an important factor in giving you energy and keeping you healthy. Knowing how to increase, conserve and use this valuable energy is vital in fighting fatigue.

Chi flows in your body through energy channels called meridians, supplying your organs with nourishment and ensuring their normal function.

When your body’s channels or meridians are blocked and your Chi is unable to flow freely, becoming disturbed, stagnant, imbalanced or depleted, fatigue and pain occur. To be able to build and direct the flow of Chi in your body will enhance your physical and mental health and reduce the severity of fatigue.

Healthy Chi equals a healthy you. In the next post I will explain what Chi is in further detail.

Namaste
Rosi

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Achieving Wellbeing (part 2)

Feb 13th, 2012 by

Welcome to part 2 on my post focusing on wellbeing.

To achieve change you need to know:

1. What you would like to change

  • List the areas of your life you would you like to change
  • How ready are you for change? If fear or something else is holding you back, be honest with yourself.
  • What is your motivation behind your desire for change? (fear or love?)
  • How do the changes you want support your values?
  • Consider the following areas: Relationship, Career, Health/Fitness, Finances, Personal Development, Friends & Family, Hobbies & Recreation

2. What you want to achieve

  • For each of the areas that you listed in question 1, outline exactly what you want to achieve – be very specific

3. What is holding you back

  • In most cases it is old ingrained or childhood beliefs that no longer serve you (look out for my  future post titled Reinventing your Life where I will discuss ‘lifetraps and ‘schemas’)
  • List the beliefs or thoughts you have around each of the changes you want to make. Most of the time, we don’t even realise that we have these negative beliefs.
  • Is your present lifestyle maintained by habit, comfort, fear or reinforcement?

4. What you need to do

  • Make a list of the resources and support that you need to help you achieve your goals
  • List individuals in your life who will encourage and strengthen you, rather than feeling threatened by the changes you want to make
  • Outline how you will deal with any hurdles that may come up?    How will you manage your stress levels?    How will you reward yourself?    What will you do that makes the journey fun – as remember you are going on a journey – not towards a destination?

Now that you have your road map to where you’re going and what you need to do, the actual work starts. For this you need motivation, commitment and support.

As you start to see changes, your self confidence will grow, which in turn will increase your energy, commitment and motivation.

Namaste
Rosi

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Achieving Wellbeing (part 1)

Feb 10th, 2012 by

As you know, my blog’s tagline is ‘helping you find energy and wellbeing’, so I thought that it might be useful to include a post on my understanding of the term ‘wellbeing’.

Wellbeing or wellness is a holistic concept that requires that you care enough about yourself to look honestly at your life and that you live consciously. Conscious living is not about running your life on autopilot but at every moment being aware of the choices you have and acting on them.

That said, achieving wellbeing can only work if you look at all parts of yourself – that is the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects that make up who you are.

You cannot achieve physical wellbeing, without looking at your emotional self, in the same way that you can’t expect to achieve mental wellbeing without addressing your physical health. All parts are interconnected. So for wellbeing, all 4 areas must be in harmony and balance.

What area of your life is out of balance? In what area would you like to achieve change? What area have you neglected?

Everything that you do in life comes from a motivation of fear or love – you are either moving away from something (fear) or towards something (love). For example – do you want to loose weight because you dislike your body (fear), or because you’d like to feel healthier and have more energy (love)?

When fear is your motivating factor, change is usually short-term as fear exhausts. While if your goal to change is coming from love, then you will find that motivation comes easily.

Deep down we all know what’s right for us, but it takes courage to face the truth and then do something about it. Sometimes ignorance is bliss!

In my next post, I will discuss ways to achieve wellbeing.

Namaste
Rosi

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Adrenal Care Daily Checklist & Diary

Feb 8th, 2012 by

I thought I’d finish my posts on adrenal fatigue by including an adrenal daily care diary that I put together.

My future posts will focus on holistic ways alleviate fatigue, increase energy and achieve wellbeing for everyone and not just those suffering from adrenal fatigue.

As you know, everything you do affects your adrenal health and therefore your overall health in either a positive or negative way so it’s important to know what impact your lifestyle is having on your health.

The most important things affecting your adrenal health are:

  •  The amount and quality of sleep that you get
  •  The food that you eat
  •  The physical activities that you participate in
  •  The amount of stress – both positive and negative in your life

I developed the Adrenal Care Diary(attached) to help keep me on track. As it is so easy when you are having a good day to forget that you have a serious health condition and to go back to your normal way of living which unfortunately means that when you relapse you will feel worse than ever before.

The Adrenal Care Daily Checklist and Diary helps remind you what you need to do each day to take care of your adrenals.

It also allows you to record what you have and haven’t done and then rate your overall wellbeing based on your behaviour. By keeping a track of what you do on a daily basis and rating your overall energy you can pinpoint what factors effect your adrenal health the most.

The diary helps give you a picture of what is happening with your adrenal health and how the choices you make regarding food, exercise and sleep affect you. The Diary also gives you the opportunity to jot down your thoughts, feelings and important incidences that occur each day.

My hope is that this diary will help you better manage your life and your adrenal health.

Namaste
Rosi

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