Dry Skin Brushing- Good for the Body on Many Levels

The Wheel of the year has turned to Winter. In Portland that means we are bringing out the heavier
clothing, and trying to stay warm and dry. It also means that we are looking for anything to prevent
us from getting sick. With co-workers and clients already coming down with common colds and wanting
to avoid all the anti-bacterial hand sanitizers (which are not effective with viruses) out there, I choose to go the more natural routes. Yes, everyone, please still wash your hands. That will be one of the most natural things to do. What I want to talk about here is a multi-purpose natural health remedy, Dry Skin Brushing or it can also be called dry body brushing.

I was first introduced to dry brushing while working at a naturopathic clinic. The doctors there mainly
recommended it as one means of home detoxification. Once I was diagnosed with breast cancer, dry brushing became a means for me to improve my immune system and have an easy home method for
lymphatic drainage.

In general I have learned that skin exfoliation of some kind has been around for centuries in a variety of
cultures. The ancient Egyptians exfoliated with sour milk and wine, the Japanese with a loofah like product prior to their steam baths, and the Native Americans in New Mexico (where some of my ancestors are from) used cornmeal. The use of a dry brush is a technique that comes from Europe and is still widely used there in spas.  Dr. Paavo Airola was a Finnish physician who utilized this technique for his patients 30 years ago. He is noted as one of the pioneers to introduce the benefits of dry brushing to the naturopathic communities of the US.  Here in the states it is the naturopathic community and the spa industry that continues to foster an interest in the wonders of dry brushing.

Now you are probably saying, OK, so all these cultures had some way of exfoliating the skin but why did they deem it necessary. Well, as with many things, a person and the body need a little outside help to get things done. And in this day and age when our bodies are faced with more and more toxins and it is harder to keep ourselves in balance we need various options to help the body remove waste.

The Skin is the largest organ in the body measuring approximately 20 square feet. It is second only to the liver in its ability to serve as an organ of elimination. Each day 1/4 of the body's detoxification occurs through the skin. By definition detoxification is a process of eliminating wastes and toxins. The skin has three layers.
The outermost or top layer is the epidermis, which is non-vascular, protective, a waterproof barrier and gives the skin its tone.  Behind the epidermis lays the dermis. This is the sensitive connective tissue layer which contains nerve endings, sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles and blood and lymph vessels. The third layer is the hypodermis or subcutaneous fascia. Here lays loose connective tissue and fat which help the skin bind to tissue beneath it. This layer also functions to cushion the body and help regulate one's temperature.  About every 28 days the body completely replaces cells in the epidermis. This means that the body is constantly shedding dead skin cells to make ready for the new epidermis.

If this organ (Skin) is in balance and functioning at peak capacity then it will provide the body with

• perspiration for the elimination of waste and toxins
• protection of its internal organs and fluids
• protection against outside pathogens and foreign substances
• increased immune system function
• temperature regulation

To begin understanding how dry brushing will help you lower your risk of coming down with a cold we must discuss the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is important in eliminating toxins from the body. It also helps prevent infections and other diseases. Our lymphatic systems are a complex network of lymphatic vessels, tissues and capillaries. Lymphatic capillaries can be found in the connective tissue of nearly all organs and drain into larger connecting vessels which contain valves. These vessels push their contents toward the nearest lymph node and from  there into nodal sinuses. Eventually the large vessels drain into the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct. Tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow and  thymus are examples of lymphatic tissues. Cells associated with this healing network that help identify and remove harmful viruses, bacterias, fungi as well as other harmful substances are, lymphocytes (T-cells and B-cells), leukocytes, macrophages and plasma cells. The spleen is the organ that  filters and purifies the blood and lymph fluids. T-lymphocytes come to maturity in response to a hormone in the Thymus and are released from this organ as T-cells.

In general terms, when we speak of improving the immune system we are discussing how well the body, once exposed to a pathogen, can create an attack in the form of a physical barrier and an antibody. What this means is your body basically has to get sick before it can heal itself. The more your body is exposed to antigens (what the systems deems as a foreign substance), the better able and faster able it will be in healing itself. Your body's first defense is the epidermis and its ability to prevent foreign substances and matter from penetrating to the deeper skin layers. The second line of defense is a bit more complex and involves those cells we mentioned above, the Lymphocytes, Leukocytes, and macrophages, which work together to identify, bind to and remove what they deem as invaders.

If the immune system along with the body's ability to bring blood to an area (inflammation= blood flow with heat and redness) works overtime, then we can have an abundance of antibody-antigen complexes, immune cells and inflammatory molecules in an area. This abundance can block blood flow and prevent tissues and organs from being properly nourished and ultimately causes damage and break down. Luckily the body has a complementary system that helps keep this immune system soluble and flowing steadily. The lymphatic system is involved in keep the balance here.

The circulatory system, the movement of blood, is run by the pumping of the heart. They lymphatic circulation does not have a pump. Lymphatic fluid moves in only one direction, upward to the heart, from the extremities (feet and hands). The valves we spoke of earlier that are housed within the lymph vessels are one way valves to prevent back flow. Body movement, smooth muscle contraction and pressure from breaths create the movement of lymph fluid. The ultimate goal is to get this clear plasma; that has traveled all over the body, between cells, within cells and in the space of tissues, back to the heart. The movement of muscle and pressure of breath must be great enough to bring this fluid out of all the spaces and into the vessels. Basically the body needs to drain it back to the heart via the thoracic duct. There are two separate and unequal drainage routes for this lymph fluid.

The right side route takes fluid from:

• right side of head and neck
• right arm
• upper right quadrant of the body
• to the right lymphatic duct at the clavicle
• which empties into the right subclavian vein

The left side route takes fluid from:

• left side of the head and neck
• left arm
• upper left quadrant of the body
• lower trunk and both legs
• approximately at the middle of the abdomen is the cistrena chyli a midway station
• then to the thoracic duct which empties into the left lymphatic duct
• then into left subclavian vein

From the veins into the heart to be cycled again in its fresh state.

When the skin is not functioning well, when it is not removing dead cells to make way for fresh new layers, then the pores of the skin get clogged and the system begins to back up causing more demand on the other organs of elimination such as the liver, kidney, colon and lungs.

Now this is where Dry Skin Brushing can be beneficial. In general this technique will provide the body with

•  removal of dead cells
•  a means to stimulate blood and lymph flow
•  a means to stimulate hormones and oil glands
•  a means to stimulate the nervous system, tone the muscles, and tighten the skin
•  a means to strengthen the immune system

This is all done because the process of dry brushing is done in a manner that causes gentle contraction of smooth muscle ( which is part of the heart and therefore will activate the heart to pump blood), and signals the lungs to move air and nerve endings to call for the movement of other contractions. Basically on its own the lymphatic system moves slowly. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system to work faster and more efficiently, by opening pores, exfoliating the top layer of skin, and promoting circulation of fresh blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. All of this encourages the body to clear metabolic wastes and fight against bacterial accumulation. And finally we have circled back to how dry brushing is lowering your risk for a common cold or flu.

 In the case of individuals (like myself) suffering from lymphedema due to damage to or removal of lymph nodes and or vessels, dry body brushing helps the now compromised lymphatic system (which will move even slower damaged) redirect accumulated fluid from the interstitial space (areas between tissues and organs) back into the proper channels and ultimately the circulatory system. This then, helps reduce or eliminate swelling (edema) and helps reduce or prevent the occurrence of infection and other complications. Though the lymph fluid does not normal cross from one drainage route to the over (there is an unseen line around the two zones) manual lymph drainage (of which dry body brushing falls into) actually stimulates movement from one area to another and stimulates the formation of new pathways. And thus, we have come full circle back to how this process aided in my journey with cancer, as I had lymph nodes removed from my body.

As a little PS let's speak to cellulite and why dry body brushing is popular in the spa world. Cellulite by medical terms is lipodystrophy, which means a problem with fat in several areas of the body, namely the thighs, hips and buttocks. Current research is showing that rather than being a direct issue of fat it is mainly an issue of connective tissue that shapes and keeps the fat in place. Basically what's going on is the connective tissue in the hypodermis (and to an extend the dermis) is not laying in the proper directions (its getting twisted and bound up) and the fat within that layer is binding irregularly and is accumulating into one area more than another. Thus the classic dimpling or "orange peel " effect is seen. The way to affect connective tissue (that is not in its fluid state of being) from a massage stand point, is to warm and redirect it. I believe the process of dry brushing is only one part of addressing cellulite. I believe that dry brushing which will remove toxins and unclog pores, bring fresh blood and oxygen to the area and remove stagnate lymph fluid, is preparing the area for a therapist to then work with myofacisal techniques to release adhesions and redirect connective tissue into its proper vertical direction. Dry body brushing in and of itself will not, in my opinion correct cellulite.

NOTE: always consult a physician prior to performing dry brushing on your own.

When and where to avoid dry brushing: 

• areas of active inflammation
• areas of active cancer
• over enlarged lymph nodes
• sunburned skin
• genitalia and nipples
• if pregnant
• with heart damage and certain heart conditions
• areas of active infection
• areas with open wounds or broken skin

Now let's talk about what you need to Dry Body Brush at home:

• a Natural (bore) bristle brush
• a removable long handle to address the harder to reach areas of the body
• a strap on the body of the brush to hang  onto when addressing closer areas of the body
• the strap comes in handy if you want to take it into your massage appointment for your therapist to add the brushing to the first 15 minutes of your session

Where can you find this brush:

• Health food stores (in Portland, Whole foods, and New Seasons)
• a spa
• online

How do you perform this technique at home:

• remove all clothing
• have a dry body with the least about of lotions and creams on it

Your motion will be small, light circular strokes toward the heart. Remember the lymphatic system moves in one direction from the extremities to the heart and that there are valves within the vessel that you don't want to close down. If your pressure is too deep and intense you will close the vessel and prevent proper flow. Stroking away from the heart will create a back pressure which can cause extra pressure on the valves within both the veins and lymph vessels and can cause rupturing of the vessels and varicose veins

• Start by priming the pump (gently tape or stroke over the left subclavian area, the area just below the clavicle) this drains the old lymph that is hanging out and let's the body know it needs to start working to move new lymph at a greater capacity through.
• To keep it simple: START at the sole of the right foot, moving upward toward the heart in light circular motions up the foot, into the ankle, low leg, thigh, side of body, fingers, hand and arm.
• Repeat on left side
• pretend there is a line down your stomach, START on the left side of your stomach travel from the belly button out to the side of the body in three lines moving in clockwise circular motions upward toward the heart
• Back to the center of the stomach this time on the right side of the belly button repeat your three lines up and out toward the heart
• Now begin on the backside of the body. Again as above STARTing with the feet, moving up the legs, into the buttock and finally up the back
• Lightly stroke down the outside of the neck down toward the heart
• Finally with lighter strokes brush from right to left over and around the breast/chest.

          AVOID the nipples!
      When finished you should have brushed your entire body except the head, face and nipples.

Now take a warm bath or shower and end with a cool water rinse. This will take away all the dead cells, toxins, etc that you removed and close down the skin with the cold water.

You can perform this process every day or just once or twice per week prior to showering or bathing. Remember your body and the brush must be dry for this technique to be affective.

Every few weeks wash your brush in clear warm water and allow to dry. This will take away the dead skin cells. Avoid detergents if possible to keep the bristles working at their peak. Keep your brush in a clean, dry location.
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Some pictures that might be helpful with visuals of the process:

All information in this blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult your health care provider concerning any disease or injury. The tips here in are not a substitute for professional medical assistance. The author is not recommending that you self-diagnose or prescribe but rather that you become better aware and educated about available holistic health options.

One way to balance my chakras

Ways to balance the chakra system:

Humans are so diverse there is never one right way for a person to bring the physical body into health. In this day and age we can seek Western medicine (pharmaceuticals, surgery, etc) Eastern medicine (acupuncture, massage, herbs), talk therapy, dance therapy or anything else that attracts a person.  It is the same for the chakra system. A person must find what works for them. And we cannot be disappointed if it takes a while for us to find the right one or the combination that works best.

One tool that works well for my chakra balancing is Kundalini Dance.

Kundalini dance is a self- healing journey through the seven chakras.  Leyolah Antara developed this unique form of ecstatic dance for her own personal healing. From that healing she was guided to share its benefits with others. Through Leyolah's process an individual learns how to apply movement, breath, sound, and energy techniques to purify and spiritual activate, thus gaining personal transformation. The main focus of Kundalini dance is opening to and connecting with the frequencies of the Sky, Earth and Unconditional love. These frequencies invite participating individuals to find and express their true essence through their understanding of the qualities and workings of the chakra system.

Through unconditional love Kundalini dancers learn forgiveness, acceptance and compassion for their lives and the lives of those connected to them. Surrounded by love and the supporting frequencies of the Sky and Earth, dancers are invited to uncover repressed energy, denied emotions and fear stored in the body.  Remaining in the state of witness a person can better purify and shed stagnation and regain health and vitality. As the individual becomes more familiar with these supportive frequencies and feels safe to go deeper they begin to face and integrate their shadow aspect, which can bring their true self into balance.

Kundalini Dance functions with the understanding that the body, mind and spirit work as one interrelated circuitry of conscious and unconscious information. The physical body, through pain, disease and illness, attempts to point a person to where they are holding onto emotional contraction and fear based thought forms. This practice views a block in the chakra system as a manifestation of repressed or denied emotional energy, unresolved developmental issues and karmic patterning.

Leyolah subscribes to the notion that the human form is more than just a physical body. She has learned that there are four bodies that make up our moving beings, the physical, etheric, emotional and mental bodies.  And enveloping this human vehicle we find the spiritual/causal body expanding us beyond the boundaries of time and space. Leyolah, as well as others, has learned that to truly identify and harness the energies of the spiritual body the human must reach an ecstatic state. Therefore, the aim of Kundalini Dance is to anchor the human on Earth through the high vibrational light frequencies within an ecstatic consciousness to express through Divine consciousness on a more regular basis.

Many of my teachers including Leyolah have a saying… "We are Spirits living human experiences."  As we enter the practice of Kundalini Dance we acknowledge and honor this statement.  First bringing our awareness to the physical phase of existence we seek to listen to the physical form and clear the body of blocks by allowing the frequencies of the Earth to raise into the flesh and give us the energy to revitalize, rejuvenate and balance. Grounded we can move our focus to the emotional phase and begin to clear cellular memory from organs, cells, and the energetic systems through spontaneous movement and sound, which in turn stimulates the release of endorphins to induce healing and well-being. From a place of witness in a state of ease and grace we can enter the mental phase seeking insight and clarity through rhythmic breath and movement into trance states we find a connection to the higher self, which reveals a higher wisdom. From this ecstatic, blissful, silent state we embrace the spiritual phase through which we unlock the true essence of the self as we commune with source remembering who we are, remembering we are one and finally realizing we are whole in mind, body and spirit.

Currently, science is catching up to mystical beliefs, telling us to understand human functioning we must look beyond chemistry to the electromagnetic systems. Even further back than the Hindu system people believed that the chakras were filtering a higher energy, the Universal Life Force.   Another term for Universal Life Force is Chi or Prana. Prana has been defined as the sum of all energy manifested in the universe. The external manifestation of prana being air to oxygen to breath.  We connect and can balance our seven chakras through this breath, this Prana.  Prana descends from the higher realms and allows the Human to ascend into the Universe.  Without this Pranic breath cycle the human body ceases to function. 

Leyolah also teaches us to become aware of our pranic body or energetic twin.  The divine double, which harness the higher vibrational energies of Universal Life Force into the physical body in a three dimensional, interpenetrating flow.

I now give you my simplistic understanding of the interplay of the pranic, physical bodies and the central channel. Universal Life Force, pranic breath enters the human in two channels. The left channel being named Ida starts on the right side of the body in the base chakra and can exit the body via the left nostril. This channel is represented as feminine, white in color, cold or cooling and the Moon. The right channel being named Pingala starts on the left side of the body in the base chakra and can exit the body via the right nostril. This channel is represented as masculine, red in color, hot or burning, related to digestion and the Sun. Ida and Pingala are also known as the Rainbow serpents.  As stated earlier the central channel is named Sushumna and runs from the coccyx to the top of the head.  In another form the Universal as pure consciousness divides into two poles prior to descending into the human. One pole becomes the masculine Shiva. Shiva representing creator's static, unmanifested consciousness, its power to be and yet not become or change. The opposite pole comes down as feminine, Shakti. She represents creator's dynamic, energetic and creative state where all form emerges. In general the masculine spirals up, while the feminine spirals down.  Within the region of the base chakra, around the central axis at the base of the spine, resides the coiled serpent, Kundalini, the often dormant, potential energy of Shakti.  On either side of Kundalini we find Ida and Pingala. Above this we find Sushumna holding the seven chakras. The chakras extend from the center four layers to the front and four layers to the back of the body. Leyolah teaches that through intentional pranic breathing and movement an individual can activate Ida and Pingala to awaken Kundalini to begin her penetration and ascension through the seven chakras. Ida and Pingala alternating at each chakra accompany Kundalini on her journey.  Depending on the bodies needs the pair can exist the body at the nostrils to release old breath and bring in new breath. Or they can unite with Kundalini in the Third eye to shift the beings sight.  Once Kundalini is awakened her primary goal is to remove anything that is holding the being back from allowing her to join with her partner Shiva, pure consciousness and become liberated resolving duality into unity.

One key tool to Kundalini Dance is how Pranic breathing is utilized through the session. Our breath moves energy, purifies the body and its systems, cools the body, calms the being and shifts the Human's state of consciousness.

The Human form, through the chakra system, reflects both the Earth and the Sky.  We can find the correspondence of the Earth's natural forces of Earth, Water, Fire and Air with the lower chakras. Via the frequencies of ether, thought, light and sound the chakras mirror the Sky. The Earth frequency is an upward flowing stream that penetrates the central channel and can cycle out through individual chakras. When we call to and breath up this frequency we become able to purify, burn away what no longer serves and revitalize our systems. In Kundalini Dance we speak of this energy as the Earth Fire Serpent. This feminine essence anchors us and nurtures us as a divine loving Mother would. The Sky or Heavenly frequencies are downward flowing streams that can be used to integrate the mundane mind with higher consciousness. When we call to and breathe down this frequency we turn the light on every situation with a renewed sense of clarity. Kundalini Dance uses this breath current after purification to sooth the body.

The physical means of moving breath comes in four forms, exhalation, inhalation, nose and mouth.  When we want to rid the body of stagnation or energy that no longer serves we exhale and use the mouth.  Mouth breathing is best for short breathes, quick energy and purification. Exhalation in general helps detoxify the body. An individual needing to contain their energy should breath through the nose. When we are feeling agitated, anxious or needing to become calm inhaling through the nose is best. Cycling from nose to mouth inhalation to exhalation is often beneficial.

Following the Hindu path one learns that each chakra can resonate with a specific sound. In this tradition the sounds are sacred vowels known as Bija mantras. Bija means seed. Therefore, each chakra has a seed sound. There are other chakra healing techniques that use musical tones to vibrate the chakras. Leyolah teaches a unique tone correspondence for each chakra. In any case Sound is the frequencies that holds all things together. Finding the correct tonal sound that will vibrate a given chakra is a key for balancing the chakra system and healing the body. Everything in the Universe emits a sound. When we can find the right frequency and vibrate with it we can hear the individual songs resonating around the Universe.  Music is our most familiar way to change our mood and behavior patterns. We use music to get through a relationship break up, as a lovers connection, in weddings, in movies and to move our bodies on the dance floor.  Therapies use different instruments, such as drums, flutes and bells. Some therapies use toning forks to resonate into the chakras. During a Kundalini Dance session we use sound in the form of intentional music, vowel sounds, and individualized vocables (sounds with no definable meaning).

Though I say one of the tools I use to balance my chakras, you can probably tell that through Kundalini Dance, I am really utilizing several techniques to achieve balance. I am using breath, movement, sound (music and personal voice-toning), and energy to bring about a state of well being.

I hope one day we can all dance in balance upon our great Mother Earth.

My understanding of the chakra system

What are the Chakras:

 The word chakra means "wheel" or "disk," and is a Sanskrit term. An ancient Indian process used the chakra system for healing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being.  The general public information follows the traditional Hindu system. Under this tradition we know of seven major chakras that spin at different frequencies, are associated with the colors of the rainbow, and are represented by lotus flowers.  The Hindu path places these flowers into the Sushumna (spinal column) from the coccyx to the head of the body.

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The chakras are the body's energy centers, located about one layer away from the physical body on our etheric body. I think of them as the fuse box in a home or the transformers on the street. The chakras regulate the energy patterns and functions of our auric bodies, organs, brains, emotional centers and nerve centers. Each center is a bed of activity taking in information, processing and then redistributing interpretations, insights, new information and conclusions, to the rest of the body and mind. If we want to expand into the computer era, then we can compare these "disks" to a floppy disk. Each disk is a record keeper of human existence and functioning.  Along this line of thinking our chakras can also become infected with viruses, have glitches, or program break- downs that take us away from our divide plan. These program faults can occur if too much or not enough energy flows through a chakra or an area of the chakra becomes clogged with stagnate energy.  Like computers we can clean our disks.  We just need to work with them on a conscious and informed level.  Meaning we must first identify our chakras, have a means to determine if the energy flowing through them is too fast, too slow or blocked. We must be able to find the reason for the dysfunctional flow and relate it to our life situation. Then we need the tools to bring the flow back to a functional balance.

Healing with the chakra system takes a degree of faith because, unlike our heart or other organs with which we have found mechanical means to test, probe and evaluate, these energetic disks vibrate at a rate that is not normally detected by our human eyes or brain. However, it is a time- tested form of holistic medicine.  Deeply embedded in Hindu culture where it is known that true health comes from understanding the body as an interconnected, integrating vessel.  This culture lives by the belief that all levels/layers of this vessel must be treated in order to achieve complete healing and sustained health.

When there is balance within each chakra and harmony between all chakras the body and the human being is in balance

Reasons to Hydrate with Coconut Water

I have been asked why I sometimes recommend coconut water after massage rather than just plain filtered water.

Well, I was introduced to coconut water as a medicinal fluid by a couple of nurses who serve as medics for events held in the dessert. They explained to me that if one has coconut water handy and is out of medical supplies such as the standard intravenous fluids (lactated ringer solution or a dextrose/water solution); one can safely start an IV with fresh young coconut water.

In my own research I found that during World War II, in the Pacific, wounded soldiers were treated with emergency transfusions of coconut water. If the coconut is only punctured to draw out the fluid (not broken open) the young fresh water inside is sterile. This fluid easily mixes with blood without side effects.

In getting the health benefits from coconut water one must start with a fresh, tender, young, undamaged and healthy Coconut. The coconut will be green in color and must be harvested between 5-7 months of age.

Depending on the cultivation type and the size of the nut, it will contain approximately 200-1000 ml of water.

The question is why can it be used as an IV fluid? The answer is it has an electrolyte (ionic mineral) make up similar to human plasma. Coconut water is the life blood of the nut’s embryo and can also be that for humans. Like human plasma, coconut water has a mixture of sugars, minerals, amino acids, vitamins, hormones and other necessary substances for growth and development.



There has been much research done on coconut water especially due to the fact that ten years ago the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) sought and was granted a patent for bottling coconut water in a way that preserves its nutrients. In this process an FAO official noted that the fluid of the nut contains the same five electrolytes found in human body fluids. These electrolytes are Phosphate, sulfate, calcium, magnesium and potassium. It has also been found that coconut water contains trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese (to name a few).

On the level of vitamins coconut water is a good source of riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine and folates. Why is this especially important when considering re-hydrating the body? The answer is; the body cannot replace these vitamins on its own. They must come from an outside source.

When we massage we are affecting the connective tissue, circulation, digestion and metabolism to name a few systems. Within coconut water  there is a plant hormone, cytokinins, which regulates growth, development and aging of the plant. Research has shown these hormones  to be similar to the human hormones cytokines. It is probably this similarity that allows the plants cytokinins to stimulate cell division of human connective tissue in a way that allows the tissue to replace old damaged cells and take on the functionality of younger tissue. Also, when we massage one releases dead cells and other metabolic waste into the system. By drinking coconut water which contains, bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA polymerase, all of which aid digestion and metabolism; one is providing the body a better means of removing toxins from the system. There is also evidence that coconut water helps to dilate blood vessels, improves blood flow and reduces muscles cramps. The nut’s water, high potassium content is the reason for the reduction in muscles cramps.

We all know water is important for the body to function. Every cell, tissue and organ in the body requires water to function. Through water, the body maintains its temperature, removes waste and lubricates joints. The body also needs the right combination of electrolytes (minerals) for water to efficiently enter the cells in every fiber of a person.

Plain filtered or tap water lacks electrolytes and therefore cannot aid the body in replacing them when they are depleted due to exercise or other exertional activities. Too much plain water (more than half the body weight in ounces over a 24 hour period) can also dilute the blood to the point of causing electrolyte imbalance and depletion. Another reason to choose coconut water over plain water is the fact that coconut water’s chemical make- up allows it to be absorbed through the intestinal wall quicker than water, which allows the body to recover faster.



In summary when the body has been taxed and needs to recover quickly I prefer coconut water to plain water because Coconut water is:

· A natural isotonic beverage, containing the same level of electrolytes as found in human blood

· an excellent electrolyte replacement after exercise, heat stress and illness

· improves circulation

· improves digestion

· Restores strength and elasticity of the skin

· Enhances healing of wounds and lesions

· Is high in potassium reducing muscle cramping.



In the states we can not get fresh coconuts year round. We can now get processed coconut water year round. As we know processed is not an ideal choose but the right processed coconut water is better than some other alternatives. Two of the biggest things I look for when selecting processed coconut water
1. no added flavors
2.  it should say no sugar added. Ideally it should contain less than 14 grams of sugar. I usually go for below 9 grams when possible.

Currently, my favorite is Harvest Bay. And for me Chilled is always best.
Happy re-hydrating!

A Great Book to read

I was drawn to a book in my Acupunturist office and have found it to be a very inspiring, eye-opening, educational and confirmational piece of work.

The book is " Anti Cancer A New Way of Li fe"
By: David Servan-Schreiber, MD,PhD

The auther is a medical doctor, researcher and a cancer survivor.

I have been inspired by the book to make connections between the chakra's and how to help one discover their own self healing process.

My goal will be to journey through the 7 chakras exploring how they can provide insight into preventing disease.

It is becoming a well know fact that every person has abnormal cells in their body, yet not every person develops a harmful cancerous tumor.  The journey that I will make with the aid of this book will hopefully lend alternatives and provide possible answers as to why some of us can live with cancer without disease.