Regina Chante, Licensed Massage Therapist

Kale Is An Amazing Food!

Regina Chante — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:30:03 +0000

I remember my midwife advising me to eat plenty of kale during my pregnancies (many lovely moons ago) mostly for it’s mineral-rich content. Little did I know back then how very powerful this beautiful, leafy green food is, and how easily it grows in our cold NWern climate. Hope you enjoy the following report on the health benefits of kale I recently came across, and don’t be shy to cook some up. My favorite way to prepare kale: sautee in water a couple of chopped up garlic cloves while steaming up some leaves of kale (remove the rough spine down the middle first), then put the two together. Yummy! Folks tell me kale chips are tasty as well.

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7 Reasons Kale Is the New Beef

Written by Jill Ettinger

Like the saying goes, the only constant is change. We may resist it all we want, but Time and its inevitable evolution of everything in its path is unaffected by our attempts to stop it. The resulting trajectory of humanity’s nascent ascent appears to be positioning itself to sweep us into progressive new times, especially where our food choices are concerned, as nearly 7 billion people are now standing on the little scraps of land that we share with some 55 billion rather large animals raised for food each year. (As another famous saying goes: This town ain’t big enough for the both of us.) So, beef (and all factory-farmed meat) may be going from rib-eye to relic as we transition to a greener world… literally—as in leafy, green vegetables.

Environmentalists cite meat production as one of the biggest contributors to global warming, and the USDA’s new food pyramid (MyPlate) suggests the healthiest choice is making vegetables and fruit the biggest part of every meal by reducing consumption of animal proteins. Kale is far more nutritious than other leafy greens, but these seven reasons why it is such an important futurefood may just surprise you.

1. Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease and a number of autoimmune diseases, and is triggered by the consumption of animal products. Kale is an incredibly effective anti-inflammatory food, potentially preventing and even reversing these illnesses.

2. Iron: Despite the myth that vegetarians are anemic, the number of non-vegetarians with iron-deficiencies is on the rise. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.

3. Calcium: Dairy and beef both contain calcium, but the U.S. still has some of the highest rates of bone loss and osteoporosis in the world. Kale contains more calcium per calorie than milk (90 grams per serving) and is also better absorbed by the body than dairy.

4. Fiber: Like protein, fiber is a macronutrient, which means we need it every day. But many Americans don’t eat nearly enough and the deficiency is linked to heart disease, digestive disorders and cancer. Protein-rich foods, like meat, contain little to no fiber. One serving of kale not only contains 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of fiber, but it also provides 2 grams of protein.

5. Omega fatty acids: Essential Omega fats play an important role in our health, unlike the saturated fats in meat. A serving of kale contains 121 mg of omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of omega-6 fatty acids.

6. Immunity: Superbugs and bacteria are a serious risk to our health. Many of these come as a result of factory farm meat, eggs and dairy products. Kale is an incredibly rich source of immune-boosting carotenoid and flavanoid antioxidants including vitamins A and C.

7. Sustainable: Kale grows to maturity in 55 to 60 days versus a cow raised for beef for an average of 18-24 months. Kale can grow in most climates and is relatively easy and low impact to grow at home or on a farm. To raise one pound of beef requires 16 pounds of grain, 11 times as much fossil fuel and more than 2,400 gallons of water.

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Sources:

http://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/meat-wastes-natural-resources.aspx

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2461/2

http://www.irondisorders.org/iron-deficiency-anemia

http://www.ellenskitchen.com/faqs/calcium.html

What is sound healing?

Regina Chante — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:38:41 +0000

When I mention to prospective clients that I do sound healing in my practice they often respond with a mystified, quizzical look in their eyes, followed by the question “What’s that?!” My words exactly, about 20 years ago when I attended my first lecture on the sound healing work of musician and licensed acupuncturist Fabien Maman, the founder of this modern (ancient) therapy. He was the first to discover that certain notes, particularly if sung by the human voice, had the ability to implode cancer cells! He discovered this healing benefit and SO much more. I fell immediately into the arms of the sound healing. Understanding that certain tones and harmonics have the ability to uplift the human condition out of a state of dis-ease and imbalance made perfect sense to me. I began my journey to incorporate this very effective, non-invasive, deeply relaxing therapy into my practice, borrowing ideas, instruments, and healing practices from as many sources as I could find that resonated with me… (sorry for the bad pun)

One of the fields of sound healing I have embraced is the Acutonics system, a branch of sound healing that blossomed into being from the tree of sound healing developed by Maman. Below is a link to an informative video for the layperson on the Acutonics system’s two most recent books, and interviews with some of the folks who were behind their development. I wish that my Acutonics teachers, Jude and Paul Ponton, co-authors of the books mentioned in the video were interviewed as well, but maybe next time. Enjoy!

The Power of Oregano Oil

Regina Chante — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 18:15:04 +0000

As the media regularly bombards the public with stories of harmful germs, bacteria and the ever dreaded “Superbug”, also known as M.R.S.A. more and more people are becoming ‘germaphobes’, excessively using anti-bacterial soap to the point of creating dry, cracked skin, which allows bacteria even more access to the internal body. People are lining up for the latest and greatest vaccine to prevent them from getting viruses, even as said viruses are mutating into newer, untouchable forms.
How did we get so far away from living at one with the natural world?
My theory is that we have been brain-washed to believe that, through scientific know-how and excessive cleanliness, we will ultimately control Nature by outwitting it and out-cleaning it. Unlike our ancestors we have become almost completely disconnected with the free and very effective medicines our planet provides. One of those potent healing agents is probably sitting in your spice rack right now… its name? Oregano!
Studies have shown that micro amounts of the compound Carvacrol, found in Oregano, is effective against MRSA. In fact, it was found to be more effective against this “superbug” than the over 18 different pharma drugs normally used to fight it. Nature’s antibiotics, which include anti-virals like oregano oil, have pungent, spicy or bitter flavors which our ancestors would traditionally use on meats to prevent spoilage. They were also applied topically as an “anti-inflammatory”. Herbs such thyme and Oregano have these pungent, spicy or bitter flavors and also have a long history of medicinal use in the mediterranean, so this isn’t new news!
Our diets also play a key role in preventing common colds, flu, and staph infections. By greatly reducing or eliminating the food source for the bacteria and viruses, which includes refined sugar, refined flours, and excess carbohydrates, we give our immune system a chance to fight on a level playing field, supported by powerful oregano and other herbal medicines. While they are not as debilitating to the healthy flora of our intestines, I still strongly recommend taking a probiotic on a daily basis, at least an hour away from the time Oregano is consumed.
According to my herbal instructor, Michael Tierra, a typical dose of one part 100% pure essential oil of oregano should be diluted with three parts of olive oil. This can be taken orally, and applied to the skin about 10 times a day (if you don’t mind smelling like yummy spaghetti sauce for a while). A child’s dose would be at least half that and can be mixed with juice or milk to dilute its potent taste. Undiluted Oregano oil may cause gastric upset so dilution is highly recommended. Personally, I find the oil quite strong tasting. Instead, I place the oil in empty vegetarian capsules (available at your local health food store) and consume them in this form. As with most herbal remedies two weeks on then two weeks off is best. This allows the body time to overcome the infection without becoming dependent on the herbal medicine. If you are pregnant please consult with a certified herbalist or Naturopath before taking oregano oil.

Sources: Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.

In Case of Radiation Exposure…

Regina Chante — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:01:25 +0000

If you have been exposed to any form of radiation, either for medical diagnostic purposes (fluoroscopy/mammography/other medical x-ray exams) or in the course of radiotherapy treatment, or if you are otherwise concerned by excessive radiation exposure, overload or poisoning (such as living near a nuclear reactor facility, working with diagnostic radiological equipment/in the nuclear processing industries/uranium mining/uranium or plutonium processing), or if you have been exposed to radioactive particles or higher ionizing radiation doses stemming from other sources such as depleted uranium (DU), testing of atomic weapons, frequent flights in higher altitudes, a nuclear disaster (radiation fallout from the Japan nuclear power plants) etc., here are a number of tips and suggested remedies how to naturally help your body excrete damaging radioactive elements (e.g. strontium and radioactive iodine) or detoxify their noxious byproducts such as free radicals as well as deal with radiation burns.

If you are having any kind of radiation treatments, macrobiotic is the cure. Macrobiotics is very effective in curing radiation sickness and cancer.

If you are diagnosed with cancer and you want to survive the cancer avoid any and all exposure to radiation treatment. Radiation treatment of any kind is what actually kills people diagnosed with cancer. Exposure to radiation causes a cascade of free radicals that wreak havoc on the body. Free radicals damages DNA, protein, and fats. Free radical damage has been clinically proven to be a major contributor to cancer. That being said, people don’t die of cancer, they die of radiation poisoning. The repeated exposure to radiation through so-called treatment overwhelms the body’s immune system. Cancer doesn’t cause hair loss for cancer patients, the radiation treatment is solely responsible for that. Cancer doesn’t cause weight loss, the radiation treatment causes that because it suppresses your appetite. Cancer doesn’t cause a cancer patient to become very weak and sick, the radiation treatment poisons the body and makes them very weak and sick.

According to Michio and Aveline Kushi, in his book Macrobiotic Diet, Michio Kushi states: ‘At the time of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945, Tatsuichiro Akizuki, M.D., was director of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Francis Hospital in Nagasaki. Most patients in the hospital, located one mile from the center of the blast, survived the initial effects of the bomb, but soon after came down with symptoms of radiation sickness from the radioactivity that had been released. Dr. Akizuki fed his staff and patients a strict macrobiotic diet of brown rice, miso* and tamari soy sauce soup, wakame and other sea vegetables, Hokkaido pumpkin, and sea salt and prohibited the consumption of sugar and sweets. As a result, he saved everyone in his hospital, while many other survivors in the city perished from radiation sickness.’”

In case you missed it the secret to surviving all forms of radiation exposure is sea salt. If you are concerned about the radiation fallout from the Japan nuclear plants disaster or if you had an X-ray (from hospitals and airport screening) or radiation treatments for cancer, soak your body in sea salt (not iodized table salt) baths to help pull out the radiation from your body.

If you were diagnosed with mouth or throat cancer and you were subjected to deadly radiation treatments gargling with baking soda mixed in water will help neutralize the radiation.

Baking soda is so powerful in curing radiation contamination that at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, researcher Don York has used baking soda to clean soil contaminated with uranium. Sodium bicarbonate binds with uranium, separating it from the dirt; so far, York has removed as much as 92 percent of the uranium from contaminated soil samples. Still not convinced? Would it help to know that the United States Army recommends the use of baking soda to protect the kidneys from radiation damage.

Radiation is very toxic. Exposure to radiation of any amount is harmful to your body. Exposure to radiation through x-rays (hospitals and airport screening) or any of the so-called cancer treatments are the most dangerous source of radiation poisoning. X-rays and radiation cancer treatments are far deadlier than radiation fallout because the exposure is concentrated and frequent.

To pull the radiation poison out of the body, try bathing in half a cup of sea salt and half a cup of baking soda. Soak for at least 20-30 minutes, every day for three weeks or every other day for six weeks. . . or go on a vacation to the West Indies or South Pacific and swim in the ocean every day for three weeks! Why the Indies or South Pacific? Because of the higher concentration of sea salt. Where is the best place on Earth to go for curing yourself of radiation? The Dead Sea. The Dead Sea salt content is four times that of most world’s oceans. Sea salt draws the radiation out of the body.

Can’t afford to travel to the Dead Sea and cure yourself of the radiation poison from nuclear plant fallout, x-rays and radiation cancer treatment? A tiny pinch of good quality sea salt in several glasses of distilled water each day will provide one with all the minerals and trace elements you need to rid your body of the radiation and stay healthy.

Can’t stomach sea salt? The amino acid, cysteine also protects against the damaging effects of radiation by terminating the free radicals produced by ionizing radiation. Cysteine, together with methionine, cystine, and their derivatives, is numbered among the “sulphurated amino acids” due to the fact that these amino acids contain sulfur in addition to carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.

Sources:

Redicecreations.com

presscore.ca

Simple Weight Loss Tips

Regina Chante — Sat, 28 May 2011 16:16:51 +0000

With sunny days of summer just around the corner many folks have weight loss on the mind. Shedding winter’s extra pounds doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful, but does require consistency of habit. Two major factors that play a role in weight gain are: lack of movement and dehydration, both of which can be easily addressed. If work requires that you sit at a computer for many hours of the day then simply getting up once an hour to do basic stretches and rehydrating the body with clean, filtered water can do wonders. Adding a bit of lemon or pure lemon juice to the water will increase the cells’ electrical conductivity which helps the body to cleanse and metabolize more efficiently. Taking 15 to 20 minutes a day to do an activity you enjoy that breaks a sweat is also excellent for detoxification, increasing circulation, and shedding pounds. When adequate, nutritional food is eaten but food cravings persist, consider mixing a teaspoon or two of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to your water. As my herbal teacher, Michael Tierra, has written: “Vinegar seems to aid in digesting fats and prevents the insulin spike when we eat carbohydrates.” Another very helpful act in the morning and evening is dry skin brushing. These natural bristle hand-sized brushes can be found in any natural food store. Brushing the skin from the extremities towards the heart increases blood circulation to the fat cells and moves lymphatic fluid, both of which help to detoxify and cleanse the internal environment. Last but not least, make time for joy in your life. When there is happiness in the heart the body does not produce as many stress hormones which contribute to weight gain.

Aqua Chi Footbath helps you ready for spring!

Regina Chante — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:02:46 +0000

Nothing like a relaxing, detoxifying, energizing experience in the Aqua Chi ionizing footbath! Bring your favorite book or music and relax your feet in cozy warm salt water for about 40 minutes while helpful negatively-charged ions absorb through the pores of your feet and into your body. This therapy helps to improve your overall circulation and improve the cells’ ability to clear toxins and absorb nutrients. Your session is wrapped up with a soothing massage for the feet and lower legs. An affordable, non-invasive, relaxing experience for people of all ages! Make it part of your monthly preventative healthcare routine.

Valentines Day Around the Corner!

Regina Chante — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:28:40 +0000

… and what a loving gift to give yourself or that special person in your life! Massage has been clinically proven to improve the health of the heart, lower blood pressure, reduce stress, reduce pain, improve sleep, improve immunity and so much more. Massage IS healthcare in its most compassionate, rejuvenating form.

Winter: Time to Rest, Rest, Rest!

Regina Chante — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:12:31 +0000

We have definitely entered the most crucial time of year – winter. Whether you live in tropical Hawaii or frosty Minnesota, the energy of winter is the same: storage. Conserve and preserve your resources and essence in winter; it is not a time for extravagance. At this time winter’s cold drives your life fire deeply inward, collecting itself like a hibernating bear for the coming spring. This means winter is the time to retreat and go within to replenish your reserves. What you do now – or don’t do (as rest implies) – determines your health for the year ahead.

Thus, now is the time to protect your vital constitutional energy and metabolic fires. Doing so helps prevent winter’s imbalances and keeps you well throughout the entire year.

Winter gives us cues to follow: the sun sets early and rises late. With less sunlight and colder weather we naturally stay inside more. Take advantage of this and stoke your inner furnace through less activity and good nutrition. Eat all cooked food, more protein and warming spices like ginger, garlic, cinnamon and cardamom. Be sure to still exercise, but choose less intense and exhausting workouts.

Whether you work late at night, frequently jog in the icy dark, or get caught in the holiday whirl, you withdraw energy from your constitutional trust fund when you most need replenishment. Drinking coffee to push through tiredness depletes the trust fund reserves even further, as does alcohol. Use grain drinks instead of coffee, and warming teas in place of alcohol.

In fact, those who exploited summer’s fast pace and full activity may now experience exhaustion, tiredness, weakness, “burn out,” night sweats, nocturnal dry mouth or restless sleep. The key to winter health is early to bed, late to rise, slow down and replenish your energy to make deposits into your trust fund. Use the extra quiet time to reflect, dream, share stories around the fire, stay warm and cozy, reflect, meditate, write in your journal and take naps. Include more protein in your diet (this also helps reduce sugar cravings). Continue at a slower pace throughout the year to follow, including summer, so that your trust fund is stronger next winter and you won’t experience the same exhaustion.

Rest means to schedule fewer activities and to take breaks between them. It also means going to be early, sleeping in, and taking naps. Even at work most people can grab a short nap during a break and now is the time of year to do this.

Winter also provides us with the opportunity for inner reflection, assessing the past year and learning from our experiences. Exhaustion at this time is more harmful than during any other season, even though the consequences may not be felt until later in the year when the energy you expect to have isn’t there.

For holiday preparations, make your lists and plans while lying down. You’ll be amazed at how much you can actually get done this way and be more efficient, too. Be sure to eliminate all “on-the-run” activities now as well, such as dashing out during lunch to get those last needed items while also eating lunch in the car.

By now this message should be strong and clear – rest, rest, rest! Interestingly, I started this last year with a blog on this theme. Now it’s time to end this year doing the same!

by: Leslie Tierra of the East West School of Planetary Herbology

Plant Medicine

Regina Chante — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 17:52:23 +0000

In plant spirit medicine we are taught that so called ‘invasive’ plants move in to territories where their medicine is needed. For example, on the east coast Japanese Knotweed appeared in areas where Lyme disease runs rampant, and Knotweed IS the antidote! What grows in your yard?

Your Healing Hands

Regina Chante — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:44:48 +0000

The power to heal yourself truly lies in the hands! Performing what the ancient vedics of India call hand Mudras, which means “seal or posture” can help generate peace of mind and body, increased immunity, and strengthen one’s mental focus. Thousands of mudras exist but a select few are shared in the following youtube video link to help you get started. Begin by spending a few moments of time each day experimenting with a hand mudra of your choice while in a meditative state and feel for yourself the benefits of your practice!

Hand Mudras Link (thank you to www.learnandenjoy.com for posting this helpful video):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYDm8My7LI&feature=related