18 Sep 2012 Leave a Comment
Interview questions for your doula From www.DONA.org:
A doula can greatly enhance your experience of childbirth and the postpartum months. Your birth doula will be at your side along with your care provider and partner, as part of your team for continuous support during labor and birth. Or maybe you’d like a postpartum doula to help you through the transition into parenthood and family.
02 Sep 2012 Leave a Comment
in Aroma Touch, Uncategorized Tags: Aroma touch, children, emotions, massage
Every time I perform the Aroma Touch Technique on someone I am amazed at the results.
Today I was having a rough day home with the kids. I was cranky, sick of looking at a dirty house, trying to prevent my daughter from drawing on every surface of the house, and just couldn’t be calm. I was at my end with my 5 year old and we couldn’t stop arguing! To stop the madness of both of our emotional flare-ups I decided to not put her in time out and just give her a massage.
I did the Aroma Touch Technique on her for 15-20 minutes. She started to calm down so quickly as the oils got into her system. Even better, I started to calm down as well as the oils started to work on my brain. I added in two extra oils that I just got today, Serenity and Citrus Bliss to help balance our emotions. Even after I had finished the technique I kept massaging her, adding a few oils back, and just talking with her.
Children are incredibly resilient and unable to hold a grudge. Though we were fighting and upset with each other for most of the day my daughter and I fell in love again. She kept telling me that she loved me and that I was helping her feel so wonderful during the massage. She rarely lets me massage her or give her reiki but today she was very content to sit for a long time. Re-connecting to my daughter in such a loving way helped me to be calm, full of love and focus on being with her and not on the chaos of the day.
In my practice I have performed this technique along with reiki sessions. My patient’s have all reported feeling energized, sleeping deeper and getting more rest for more than a week after the treatment, and eliminating back pain when combined with an adjustment!
This technique isn’t a massage or just application of oils. It is a technique that is so carefully created with the right oils, the right application, and the right technique to balance the body, emotions, and energy of ourselves.
Now I’m asking people to work on them for free so I can get the benefits from applying the oils! I think that I will start doing the massage on my daughter every morning so we both benefit from a calming and grounding experience and create a happy day together!
You can purchase the Aroma Touch Package here!
02 Sep 2012 Leave a Comment
in Aroma Touch, Childhood Illness, Children, Chiropractic, Essential Oils
What is the AromaTouch™ Technique?
dōTERRA’s AromaTouch Technique is a clinical approach to applying essential oils along energy meridians and visceral contact points of the back and feet to help balance sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of the body. Developed by Dr. David Hill, a leading expert in integrative medicine and therapeutic applications of essential oils, the AromaTouch Technique improves wellbeing by reducing physical and emotional stressors and by supporting healthy autonomic function. The technique is simple and intuitive and uses dōTERRA’s CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade™ essential oils for an unparalleled grounding experience for recipients. AromaTouch Technique addresses all of the following stressors on our body:
STRESS
Emotional distress, career choices, family discord, financial worries, and the like elevate stress levels. Clinical studies have linked high stress and chronic stress to numerous negative health conditions.
TOXIC INSULT
Exposure to a wide array of toxic insults, including disease-causing pathogens, hormone, and pesticide contaminated food products, and increasing levels of free-radicals from pollution, foods, and sunlight contribute to rises in the occurrence of varying illnesses.
INFLAMMATION
The increased consumption of food with pro-inflammatory components (foods high in polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn and peanut oil) together with high carbohydrates, low protein diets contribute to increased inflammation in body systems. Stress, with its accompanying imbalance of cortisol, can also contribute to inflammation, as do various (and increasingly prevalent) immunological dysfunctions. Studies increasingly show links between fatal diseases and inflammation.
AUTONOMIC IMBALANCE
The opposite of homeostasis, an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system (aka: the ANS or visceral nervous system) can negatively impact health in a number of ways. Restoring the body’s homeostasis can reduce the physiological impact of stressors on the body.
AromaTouch™ Procedure
The AromaTouch Technique includes four primary steps designed to minimize systemic stressors to autonomic balance. Each step includes the application of two essential oils or essential oil blends specifically formulated to support healthy emotional and physiological functions for well being. The technique requires 30 minutes per application, and works specifically with the spine, feet, and hands. You can purchase the instructional DVD online and visit
http://everythingessential.me
for charts and more information.
02 Sep 2012 Leave a Comment
in Childhood Illness, Children, Colds/Flu, Essential Oils, Products
Before They Leave The House:
Struggling to get the kids out the door? Are they unhappy, scared, nervous, anxious, or distracted?
Apply 1-2 drops of an oil to their wrists and behind their ears. I use Balance daily on my 5 year old daughter when she doesn’t want to go to school (she hates nap time and cries every morning) or when she is having an emotional breakdown. She is usually calm within five minutes. I also use Lavender, Vetiver (great for ADD/ADHD), and Elevation, Serenity, and Citrus Bliss. What I use is based on what is close by or what smells best to her that day.
Add to their breakfast a shot of fish oil. Oils are great to support the brain and add energy to the body! Make sure you get a liquid that needs to be refrigerated. If you have capsules open one up to see if it smells like fish. Anything that smells like fish is rancid and needs to be thrown out!
Check out breakfast ideas here. Make sure there is NO cereal, sugar, or processed foods in the morning so your child doesn’t crash while in school.
Defend their immune and nervous system with pro-biotics! The intestines have just as many neurotransmitters as the brain and are responsible for over 70% of the immune function of the body.
Back Pack Necessities
On Guard Throat Drops: Boost the immune system and calm any throat irritation without the negative effects of regular cough drops. Regular cough drops have menthol which actually irritate the throat increasing the need to cough. Look for drops that have pectin in them.
On Guard Drops are made of organic can juice and organic brown rice syrup. They defend against pathogenic microbes of the mouth and throat, support fixed and mobile immune function, and can help calm and soothe dry, scratchy throats. They are also 10% off right now!
More trouble coughing or breathing? Put 3-4 drops of Breathe on a Kleenex or cotton ball and have your child smell it throughout the day. Keep the smell in longer by putting these in a ziplock bag in their pocket.
When They Get Home:
Diffuse Lavender, Peppermint, or Citrus Bliss during studying or homework to help increase focus. You can make a small bottle of a mix for them to keep at school to use between classes.
Serenity and lavender are also great to use for nighttime to relieve stress. Diffuse in the room, spray on a pillow, rub on the neck, spine, and feet. Or add a few drops to a bath at night.
If anxiety is severe or they cannot stop thinking about tests, work, etc. look into Bachs Flower Remedies. They have a sleep remedy as well as lozenges.
How To Purchase Essential Oils From DoTerra!
Visit my website @ www.essentialfamilyoils.net to learn more, order, and sign up!
01 Sep 2012 1 Comment
in Birth, Birth Education, Essential Oils Tags: aromatouch, birth, labor, massage, pain relief
Specific AromaTouch Treatment For Birthing
“An 8 year study looked at using essential oils during labor, to reduce stress levels, anxiety and pain. High levels of satisfaction among mothers and delivery team were reported for Clary Sage among other essential oils. Several ongoing studies are examining relief attributes of Clary Sage by women to soothe monthly discomfort associated with their menstrual cycles.”
Oils To Use: Clary Sage, Lavender, Peppermint (single or in combination)
Aromatouch Blend: Basil, Cypress, Grapefruit, Lavender, Marjoram, Peppermint: Relaxes Muscles, Calms Tension, Soothes Irritated Tissue, Increases Circulation, Smoothes Skin, Tones Skin
Deep Blue: Keep on hand for muscle spasms
Myrrh- Helps to intensify contractions and get things moving when labor has stalled.
Black Pepper- Great for back labor to ease discomfort and help baby to move
Nutmeg- Analgesic
Jasmine- Great pain reliever but will also intensify contractions and make them more effective. Hormonal balancer.
Geranium is an anti depressant, it stimulates circulation and has a contractive effect on the endometrium and Uterus.
Rose is Euphoric, it works as a uterine relaxant and it helps ligaments to soften enabling the pelvic bones to expand more easily.
Lavender balances, relaxes and potentiates all the other oils.
Clary Sage facilitates birth as a euphoric and an analgesic, as a tonic to the respiratory muscles, the uterine system and calms the lower spinal cord. Put 3-4 drops on the inner ankles to help speed labor up.
Peppermint when inhaled can help reduce anxiety and hypertension. On the lower back it can be cooling.
Elevation -Great for creating a joyful experience. Uplifting and calming
Serenity-Serenity is a calming blend designed to reduce stress by calming the nervous system, creating a sense of well-being and improved health through the natural reduction of stress and its related symptoms. Lavender, sweet marjoram, roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood and vanilla bean create a subtle aroma ideal for aromatic diffusion or topical application.
Whisper-This perfectly balanced scent includes, patchouli, bergamot, sandalwood, rose, Jasmine, cinnamon, cistus, vetiver, ylang ylang, cocoa and vanilla. Subtly with distinctive notes is a modest descriptor for this unique and compelling natural fragrance. Whisper(TM) can be used topically and diffused into the air
Balance on the feet to help relax and increase a sense of courage to continue with the birthing process. Balance helps balance Electrical Energies within the body, giving Courage, Confidence, Strength, and Protection. This blend Empowers the Physical and Spiritual bodies. Balance has been found to help the Body Self-Correct its Balance and Alignment. It helps Overcome Fear and Opposition. It brings a feeling of Calmness, Peace and Relaxation. It may also be used for hyperactivity in children.
Technique:
When working with the oils during labor it is best to layer them one by one during the actual day rather than making your own spray or lotion prior. While you can make any type of lotion or spray you would like try to keep it as new as possible: add oils that day, etc.
Have coconut oil on hand in case of a sensitivity or allergy arises from an oil. This is really important as a doula or midwife who is not familiar with her client, or if you are using a new oil for the first time. Since some oils affect hormones, which can create a histamine reaction, labor hormones may increase sensitivity to oils!
Focus on the spine and feet of your client as the oils will be absorbed the fastest and most effectively here. The pores of the feet are the largest of the body and allow the components of the essential oils to enter the blood stream quickly. The spine has an incredible amount of nerves and arteries close to the skin which allow for a fast transaction from the skin to the blood as well. Focusing on the spine will also help increase the analgesic effects of many oils.
The AromaTouch technique focuses on treating the spine with the palm slide, 5 zone activation, and the thumb walk tissue pull. Since your client will not be able to lay face down to have the full technique you can vary how you use your hands. You can learn about the AromaTouch technique by purchasing the video online, reading online, or becoming certified through DoTerra!
For example: if a woman is laboring in a pool or leaning over an exercise ball you can perform the same techniques. Modify the palm slide by sliding your right hand from the spine to the right side and the left hand from the spine to the left side and work your way up the spine. It is important to continue to keep a downward flow to encourage the baby down if needed. You can always do the zone activation in a downward direction, but you can ask the woman what feels best for her. The downward motion will help her emotionally, physically, and energetically move the baby down as well as energetically bringing calmness and peace to the body.
Add oils that are specific to labor and what the woman needs or likes.
Additional specific techniques to the AromaTouch would be Interlaminar Circles on the spine. Choose an oil, preferably Aromatouch, deep blue, or clary sage. Locate the spinous process, the bony ends of the vertebrae. Place your thumbs on each side of the spine between the processes. Rub your thumbs in circles with medium pressure working your way up the spine.
When working with the feet you can follow a reflexology guide and acupuncture points. Include the following: 3 finger widths above medial malleolus (inside ankle), directly behind lateral malleolus (outside ankle), outside of pinky toe.
To calm the nervous system hold the upper shoulder between your thumb and fingers. It isn’t important which you’re your thumbs are on. If you are behind the woman place your thumb web against the neck on both sides. Hold down with your thumb and fingers with medium pressure. This will calm the Vagus nerve and increase the parasympathetic system in a healthy way.
Some women use cues such as having a partner hold their shoulder and then their forehead as a key to relax and breathe. If you are holding their forehead place one drop of Serenity or Balance to their forehead and behind their ears.
Massaging the hands is also another effective way to help oils enter the body while providing a relaxing massage. Focus on the base of thumb and thumb/index web with any oil of your choice. Gently massage between each bone and finger.
If you are interested in learning more about the AromaTouch Technique I am teaching classes in St. Louis, Missouri! Check out our events on Facebook!
01 Sep 2012 Leave a Comment
in Childhood Illness, Children, Colds/Flu, Diaper Bag, Essential Oils, Products Tags: immunity, on guard
The Immune Booster
In light of this month’s special of On Guard Throat Drops I’d like to share how I use On Guard as an immune booster and also for other occasions. This oil contains: Cinnamon, Clove bud, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Wild Orange.
I use On Guard:
The following is borrowed from: http://www.everythingessential.me/Blends/OnGuard.html
Application Techniques
Editor’s note: doTERRA makes a number of products to make it easier to use the On Guard blend. These include throat drops, hand wipes, and a foaming hand wash with a push top dispenser. Click here for more information about these products.
Apply to surfaces to kill germs and pathogens. Diffuse in rooms to provide immune support and to rid the area of bacteria, viruses, mold, and fungi.
Apply topically with masSage to feet, back, neck and shoulders to offer immune support.
Apply with lymphatic masSage at the onset of or during illness. The oils included in this type of blend are GRAS.
Take 2-3 drops per day orally for 3 days prior to surgery and apply with masSage to strengthen immune system and guard against infection.
Take orally with honey, agave, or juice at the onset of nagging symptoms of cold, flu, and viruses.
At the onset of sore throat or to fight laryngitis, place 2-3 drops in ¼ cup of water, gargle, swish and pull for 5 minutes, then spit. Take 2 drops internally.
Add 2-3 drops of protection blend and 1 drop of Lemon in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and take internally every hour up to 8 hours while relief comes from gallbladder attacks. One can apply similarly using digestive blends.
Add several drops to distilled water in a spray bottle and use the mixture to disinfect surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom.
ON GUARD by Robert James
52 Top uses for On Guard antimicrobial blend of essential oils.
1. Mix with a tblsp of water, gargle for 1 minute then swallow at the on-set of a sore throat.
2. Put 5 drops Oregano and 5 drops on guard in a 00 capsule and take 3 times daily at the on set of cold or flu symptoms.
3. Put on the soles children’s feet at night during cold & flu season to support immune system.
4. Put several drops on a bowl of hot – hot water and Breathe in the vapors as it begins to volatilize when you have lung congestion.
5. Put 50 drops in a spray bottle with 30 oz of distilled water. Shake often and use to sanitize kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
6. Add to your dishwasher for micro clean dishes.
7. Add to your laundry cycle for micro clean clothes.
8. Add to your mop water for cleaner floors.
9. Apply to bee and insect stings to neutralize the toxin and relieve the pain.
10. Gargle and brush daily for healthy teeth and gum’s and to prevent and treat gum disease.
11. Apply to gum’s and teeth, or swish with 5 drops of on guard & 1tbsp of water for pain relief from toothaches and after dental work.
12. Diffuse in homes or business to kill air borne pathogens, inhibit mold and build immune systems.
13. Put a few drops on air filters when changing them to kill pathogens in the duct work.
14. Add to Emergen-C or Orange juice to help congestion and fight flu and cold.
15. Put a drop in your mouth and push or squeeze it around to relive smoking urges. (enhance with an extra drop or two of Clove.)
16. For warts, apply topically, rotating between Oregano & Frankincense.
17. Apply a drop on a pets sore or wound to enhance healing.
18. Have the diffuser going in your home when the kids come home to ward off germs.
19. Make an anti-biotic blend using On Guard (12 drops) Oregano (6 drops) Frankincense (2 drops) in a 00 gel cap.
20. Add 15 drops to every cup of corn starch, mix and sprinkle on carpet. Rake, leave for 1 hour then Vacuum for micro clean carpet.
21. Mix a 2-3 drops of on guard and 2 drops of Lemon EO with honey or agave in a teaspoon for a cold or cough relief medicine for kids.
22. Gargle with 1 tbps of water and 1 drop each of Lemon and on guard hourly for laryngitis.
23. Put several drops on the HVAC vents of a hotel room or office to kill airborne pathogens and germs.
24. Mix with baking soda to clean bathtubs.
25. Apply neat to the toes and nails to combat fungus.
26. Combine 2 tbps of water with 5 drops of on guard in a small glass and store your toothbrush overnight to sanitize.
27. Use a 50/50 mix of on guard and purified water and spray onto oven interior. Leave for 15 minutes, then wipe away greasy spots.
28. Apply to hands to remove stubborn, sticky substances like tree sap.
29. Add to the water in your vacuum cleaner/steamer to disinfect the carpet.
30. Put a few drops in your vacuum bag to kill pathogens.
31. Put 15 drops in a 6oz spray bottle, shake and spray rooms, desks, or bed sheets to protect against pathogens.
32. Clean the upholstery and dashboard of your car.
33. Gargle with on guard and 1 tbsp of water prior speaking engagements or singing performances.
34. Rub on stains as a pre-wash stain remover.
35. Add 3 drops to your tooth brush and brush every day for a healthy mouth and to prevent cavities, gum disease.
36. Apply to teeth that have been damaged or broken to help them heal.
Make an on guard spray with 15 drops for every 6 oz of water, use the spray for:
37. Wipe doorknobs and other things touched by the public.
38. Wipe dirty piano keys to clean and disinfect.
39. Use to clean childrens hands when traveling.
40. Use on the steering wheel and gearshift of your vehicle.
41. Use on public telephones to remove germs.
42. Use on public computer keyboards and mice.
43. Use as an underarm deodorant.
44. Spray on hands before and after shaking hands with a lot of people.
45. Spray in public restrooms on airplanes to reduce airborne bacteria.
46. Carry for protection in countries with cholera, malaria or dysentery.
47. Use as an air freshener for cooking odors or other unwanted smells.
48. Take to the gym and spray all the equipment you use.
49. Take to the supermarket and use to disinfect shopping cart handles.
50. Use in the classroom for desks, tables and other items handled by children.
51. Spray in your mouth and throat at First onset of cold or bronchitis.
52. Spray on shower stalls and bathroom walls to disinfect and remove mold.
30 Aug 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Nutrition, Pregnancy, Standard Process
Standard Process and Pregnancy
SP Complete is the protein powder used in the shakes for the Standard Process purification program. Some people choose to use this powder as an ongoing supplement in their everyday lives.
SP Complete offers essential whole food nutrition in a convenient powder.
This is a great shake to have on hand during pregnancy and is completely safe, barring any allergies or sensitivities tothe ingredients. It can be used as a meal replacement if you are feeling too ill to eat a full meal and is very easily digested so you shouldn’t have any heartburn or indigestion. Of course, you may experience heartburn no matter what you eat so I can’t make any promises here!
I used this shake while pregnant and noticed a significant decrease in morning sickness and any bowel trouble. I also had an increase in energy and was especially helped by the iron within the shake. When I added this with my supplements I knew that I was getting the full amount of nutrition from a food source that I and my growing baby needed. I personally like to add frozen fruit with orange juice to make my shake and there are many different recipes and ingredients you can try out.
I would not use the entire purification program while pregnant as it may increase your toxic load in the blood stream and on the liver causing you to feel sick (or more sick!) and nauseous. I would also recommend waiting to use the program until you are finished breastfeeding as the blood will be carrying the toxins through your body and it may affect the way your milk. However, the program is wonderful to use before you attempt to get pregnant as a way to eliminate any excess hormones, toxins, and basically clean out all of your organs in preparation for the new baby!
Standard Process is only sold through licensed medical professionals so feel free to ask me if you have any questions or would like to order.
