Lisa Cohen Ayurveda

Mental Disorder: Looking At The Ability Versus The Disability

2012-05-18T13:29:00.001-04:00

Many times when we encounter problems in our life or when we are not the same as other people, it is easy to feel sad, disempowered and withdrawn. Similarly, when we encounter a person with a mental disability like autism, dyslexia, or attention deficit disorder, we tend to focus on how they are different from us and how their life must be lacking. Yet, people with autism, dyslexia or attention deficit disorder have a different way of processing the world and other information. Many times these different methods of processing leaves the person with a gift. For example, people with attention deficit disorder have higher levels of creativity and are superb inventor types. Those having dyslexia have better peripheral perception and excel at visual tasks like art and design. People with autism can process large amounts of information while retaining many specific details.

When people who are perceived as different or less than us are looked at as having a special gift or as simply doing things in another way, we all benefit. Each person brings their own unique gift to the world.

Bringing this idea in our own lives can enrich us as well. It is easy to judge and be critical of things that are different from us. It is also easy to judge ourselves when we do not have the same things as our friends and family (money, spouses, children, healthy bodies, athletic, spiritual, clever, patience, etc.). Yet, these different things have upsides. It may take a little searching and effort but when we find the gift hidden in something we were initially negative about, we get two gifts. One, we get to experience the gift we found. Two, we become creative, adaptive and resilient people who can turn things around.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Parenting Children When They Lie

2012-05-11T13:47:00.000-04:00

According to researchers most children are lying by the age of two and they continue to do so while most parents are poorly detecting it. Parents want to believe their children are honest. It is difficult to think of your children as having bad traits.

If children's lies go undetected and/or unaddressed, children continue to lie and the stakes get higher. A little two year old may lie to get a cookie, but an older child may be hanging out with unsavory friends in dangerous situations.

While I am no expert and I can only explain my parenting position, my disclaimer has been offered. Each parent needs to parent in a way they feel comfortable with. While it is important deal with the lie in the moment, it is equally important to recognize whether our behavior as parents contributes to the lying. When we lie out of convenience or for personal gain (getting out of that social invitation or to get a special discount), we show our children that lying is ok in certain situations. Maybe we can go one step further by being concerned with whether we are lying to ourselves about the types of results we will have by the things we do. It is easy to judge and blame someone else for a weakness, but it is hard to take an honest look at ourselves and see how we may have brought this "thing" into our life.

Our environment is made up of the beliefs we have and the actions we do. Becoming the person we want to be requires us to put in the effort to support the beliefs and actions that will create this ideal. Sometimes, we need to say no in an uncomfortable situation or admit we screwed up. The easy lie seems great at first, but it tends to bring more lies into our life. As we honestly appraise our actions, we can create more of what we want in our life. As we struggle with this, our children watch and learn how to navigate life. Raising children is not easy. I believe that having children teaches us adults how to raise ourselves to adulthood.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Stress- Eating Your Brain & Growing Your Waistline

2012-05-04T18:21:00.000-04:00

We all know too much stress is bad. It doesn't feel good and makes you unhappy. Stress has become a part of modern life and most people have chronic elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their blood stream. This constant presence of cortisol causes the body harm. Most people are willing to put up with the stress and some people feel obligated to keep pushing themselves to achieve and do. But maybe if people realized that stress makes them become stupid and fat, they would want to make some changes. It is frightening to watch yourself forget simple things and have decreased decision making ability. It is sad to watch your body increase in size and be affected by food cravings.

To prevent these side effects, one needs to use techniques to reduce the cortisol. Some of the pillars of Ayurveda can help do this. The first pillar is sleep. Good sleep and rest restores mental and physical processes so the body is stronger and more resilient in the face of stress. The second pillar is meditation. Meditation calms the mind so that it does not ruminate and constantly recycle a disturbing situation. The rumunating makes us relive the stress. Exercise is also important in Ayurveda, and the benefit is that exercise burns off excess cortisol running through the body. It also helps manage the weight better.

Once we reduce our cortisol, we will be smart enough to figure out how to deal with everything better and we will look beautiful and fit while we do it.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Green Coffee And Weight Loss

2012-04-27T18:23:00.002-04:00

Did you know that coffee beans that are unroasted, unripened and green are proving to be a miracle weight loss supplement? Studies are showing people who take the extract made from these coffee beans are losing on average 16% of their body fat. These people in the studies did not change their caloric intake to achieve these results.

The one complaint with the extract is its extremely bitter taste. This bitter taste, according to Ayurveda, is one of the reasons that it works well for weight loss. In Ayurveda, food is judged based by its taste and the energetic action it causes in the body. The taste of bitter is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, germicidal and detoxifying. In general, it is purifying and very cleansing. In small amounts, the taste of bitter stimulates the digestive process. However, in excess, the bitter taste can cause a wasting away of the tissues in the body, which can lead to depletion and weakness. On a mental level, it can cause delusions and dizziness.

While the bitterness of green coffee may be good to jump start weight loss, Ayurveda looks to balance naturally so as not to stress the body. Extreme and fast weight loss will not give us the health we want in the long run.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Getting Your Mind To Rest And Revive

2012-04-20T16:37:00.000-04:00

We all experience mental exertion and stress. Some people are better than others at balancing work, stress and rejuvenative time. Moreover, studies find that different types of "rest" are needed for different situations. The experts all agree, however, that the break your mind needs does not have to be enjoyable or fun - your mind needs a break to function in the most healthy, productive way.

Ayurveda holds rest as one of the foundations of health and Ayurveda also gives recommendations based on a person's body or illness type. There is no one size fits all. The scientific studies support this individual approach.

Here are some of the recommendations. Someone who is involved in sustained focus like active studying or working with numbers should take a nature break by walking in a park, indoor atrium or even look at pictures of nature. After the break, people's cognitive performance did improve. The nature break is also a very helpful "break" for depression and anxiety. The nature walk should not be in a crowded city street, because the details in a crowded city street require focused attention.

If you are in the middle of a stressful task that has a deadline, it is best to work through it. If you believe you have the will power and strength to get the job done, you will feel good during the process. In fact, you will achieve better results and have more will power for future tasks. Having coffee when you are stressed, leaves many feeling more stressed and wound up. So if you are looking for a pick me up, try a little exercise or have a small healthy snack with a little protein and fiber like almond butter and an apple.

As a mom, the recommendations seem like something I would tell my kids. The most important thing is to believe in your strength and will power. Your positive attitude will boost you the most. Yet, you are not a machine, so take a break. Get a little fresh air, get a little exercise and feed yourself good food. Finally, get the rest you need by sleeping and you won't need caffeine to pull you through. Ayurveda also espouses a healthy, balanced lifestyle to empower one both physically and mentally.

So, the next time you are overwhelmed and need a mental break, do what your mom, grandmother or Ayurvedic Practitioner would tell you. You will be feeling great in no time.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Matzo And Ayurveda

2012-03-30T17:25:00.003-04:00

I guess I may be the only person who would think of combining matzo and Ayurveda. The holiday of Passover is coming next week. Holidays are not merely a historical commemoration with rituals. Holidays give us an opportunity to capture the spiritual energy available from that time. A huge part of Passover is the matzo, which is unleavened bread. We eat matzo because the Jewish people had to leave the slavery of Egypt quickly and they did not have the time to prepare regular bread for the journey. On a deeper level the matzo is known as the bread of affliction and slavery. There is a humility to it. Regular bread is fluffy and filled with large holes and little substance.

Yet, matzo and bread are the same thing-both are made from flour and water. The difference lies in the preparation of not allowing the water and flour to rise before baking thereby creating the flat bread. The simple change of immediate baking transforms the mixture to a food of humility. The essence of matzo is the same as bread but our human actions determine what the water and flour mixture becomes.

Here is the Ayurveda connection. Each individual is born with their own unique body type (vata, pitta, kapha or a blend of the types). The type is not bad unless it becomes out of balance by our actions. When we neglect our body and spirit or do things that harm ourselves, we create a way of living that is deficient. Instead of shining like the bright light that we are, we settle for an off balance version of ourselves.

Whether you eat matzo or not, you can remember that the belief you hold about yourself and the action you take based on that belief affects the person we become. Further, when we think by waiting or procrastinating we are not acting, we delude ourselves. Inaction creates a choice and a result too.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Massage Is Not Just A Luxury

2012-03-23T17:53:00.003-04:00

People traditionally view massage as a treat or occasional way to relax. Massage has been the subject of many recent studies that are finding massage provides tangible health benefits. For example, massage boosts immune function in women with breast cancer and improves symptoms in children with asthma. In fact, a ten minute massage can even reduce inflammation in muscles overworked by exercise. The massage does not have to be deep tissue to provide benefits. A light massage has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol and inflammation in general.

Ayurveda recommends a daily self-massage for the health benefits it brings. Known as abhyanga, it provides lubrication of the joints, softness of the skin, stimulates nerve and circulatory function and offers many other positive gains. The self-massage is easy to do and its benefits are felt immediately.

The beauty of Ayurveda and massage in general is how natural, simple lifestyle techniques can create health without using costly drugs and invasive procedures.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Is Your Body Sleeping When It Is Awake?

2012-03-17T21:39:00.004-04:00

The average number of hours people sleep has been steadily declining over the past decades. Sleep deprivation has been linked to weight gain, emotional instability and reduced function. New research offers an explanation for these symptoms. Apparently, after receiving less than adequate sleep, different neurons in the brain seem to turn off for brief periods of time. Since the brain governs bodily functions, the neurons that turn off must adversely affect the body function they are in charge of. This can cause a chain reaction. One area of the body functions poorly but it is also connected to another body system, which puts another area of the body at risk.

While an occasional night of inadequate sleep can be made up, chronic sleep deprivation causes the body to break down. The body needs a certain amount of sleep to rejuvenate itself, and, as seen by the research, the neurons in the brain will turn off without enough sleep. It is as though the body has to turn off to conserve its reserves and function. It is similar to an electrical brown out when there is not enough electricity for the city's buildings and homes. The electricity is running but not at full function or capacity.

Sleep in Ayurveda is one of the main pillars of health. Without adequate sleep, a person cannot be truly healthy. One can get by without enough sleep, but life is too precious to just "get by."

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Should We TiVo Grief?

2012-03-10T21:34:00.002-05:00

There is a movement to label the psychological and emotional grief caused by the loss of a loved one as a "mood disorder" that could be treated by medication. There is a strong opposition to this movement written by the editor of the Lancet, which states:

"Grief is not an illness. It is more usefully thought of as part of being human, and a normal response to the death of a loved one. Most people who experience death of someone they love do not need treatment by a psychiatrist or indeed any doctor. For those who are grieving, doctors would do better to offer time, compassion, remembrance and empathy than pills."

The current standard of treatment by a psychiatrist is to allow a year to pass after a loved one's death before considering a diagnosis of depression and possible medication treatment. The proposed new standard of treatment would only allow two months of mourning to pass and then consider the diagnosis of depression.

I am not a doctor, but I find this quick fix idea wrong. Suffering the loss of a loved one is sad and painful, but it is a part of life. It is also deeply personal and the process deserves respect. There should not be a short time frame imposed as if we can hurry the process along since it is uncomfortable and inconvenient.

It is a comment on our society that some people think that the loss of a human life is something to be moved around for a more appropriate time frame. It degrades the relationship bond that was lost. It does not allow the mourning process to work at its own individual natural pace. To stunt and quash the process of mourning may result in worse emotional and psychological suffering later on. There are parts of life that are not always happy and easy. Yet these parts are part of our life. When we deal with them, we become stronger. We also teach our children how to cope with struggle and the parts of life that are challenging. Psychiatry would better serve mourners with a treatment plan of support and compassion to guide people instead of a pill. Really, the whole medical profession could include support and compassion in treating any illness rather than just treating it with a prescription.

Stay healthy &well,
Lisa

Recipe: French Potage Soup

2012-03-03T21:00:00.012-05:00

When someone is trying to lose weight, Ayurveda does not recommend fasting. Fasting weakens digestion, making it harder for the body to process and absorb food and its nutrients. To promote weight loss, one of the techniques in Ayurveda is the liquid diet. Meals are taken in pureed form which is easier to digest. Soups are the best way to do the liquid diet.

Soups are especially good to eat during season changes when the body is transitioning and purifying. This light vegetable soup is a good way to start the kapha season when we are trying to discharge some of the fat we accumulated in the vata winter season. It is easy and flavorful.

French Potage

2 T extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 medium potato diced
3-4 cups assorted chopped veggies: carrots, celery, turnip, rutabaga, daikon, zucchini
1-2 bay leaves
1 t dried thyme
1 T salt
1/2 t pepper
1/4 cup each fresh chopped basil and parsley
1/4 cup wine

Saute onion in olive oil until soft. Add the remaining vegetables and stir for a few minutes.
Add 2 cups water and let the veggies steam saute covered until soft.
Add water to cover veggies and the rest of the dried ingredients. Let mixture come to a soft boil for 10 minutes. Add wine and fresh spices.
Puree soup with hand blender. Taste for seasonings and add as needed.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

What's Missing From Your Daughter's Social Calendar?

2012-02-25T21:46:00.003-05:00

Probably real face to face communication is the type of social contact that is most missing from your daughter's social life. Most preteens girls are media multitasking-emailing, texting, playing video games and watching a video all at the same time. A recent study found the more a preteen girl did media multitasking the more likely she was to have poor emotional and social health. Some symptoms of this type of poor health include difficulty sleeping, low social confidence, not feeling normal and having friends that parents view as a poor social influence. The best way to offset these symptoms was increased face to face conversations with friends, parents or siblings.

Face to face communication teaches a girl how to read facial expression, body language and tone, so an authentic social exchange was experienced. The more real face time, the more likely a girl was to enjoy strong social and emotional health. The increased in person communication seemed to offset large amounts of media multitasking.

It is important to recognize these findings, since the preteen years are the foundation for ongoing social and emotional development. We all should put down our media devices and spend some real in person time together. We also shouldn't gender discriminate-our sons could benefit as well.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Doctors Treating Body & Spirit

2012-02-18T21:52:00.002-05:00

Most doctors treat the body. For example, is the knee rotating within normal limits? Is the skin condition clearing up? Health according to Ayurveda is a fusion of body and spirit. If the spirit is healthy, the body seems to function better and perceives less pain. Ayurveda uses healing techniques that are directed to the emotional and mental state, not just the physiology.

There is now a new trend among some doctors to look at a patient's mental state before beginning treatment for a chronic physical ailment. They are examining the patient's personal life which includes things like social interaction and activity levels. These factors affect the course of treatment chosen. The varying side effects of drugs, surgery or treatments can impair a patient's lifestyle. Knowing a patient's priorities allows the doctor to choose a plan that is best suited to the patient.

Clearly, this trend is something you should look for in a doctor. While Ayurveda has always looked at the whole person to define health, you should begin to look at yourself in this way. For example, exercise is a good thing. If someone overexerts themselves or chooses an exercise that does not challenge the body enough, the benefit of exercise will not be achieved. Aim to balance your body and spirit in your actions to achieve total health. You can be a part of the "new" trend too.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Love And Valentine's Day

2012-02-11T21:47:00.003-05:00

The holiday of love. It is the time to express your love and affection to your significant other. Personally, I do not like national commercialized holidays telling me what to do and how to do it. Yet, sometimes we all need reminders to show how much we care for and appreciate the special people in our life.

Sadly, it seems today there are many people seeking love. Either they cannot seem to find that special someone or they cannot seem to make love last if they have a relationship. Love is one of the main joys of life. It is something all human beings universally desire. Why is it so elusive?

When I am stumped, I usually look to higher sources and the Bible is the highest source for me. The Bible commands us to love our neighbor like our self. How can we be commanded to love? Do we really have the control to force ourselves to love? The answer may lie in the Hebrew word for love which is ahava. The root of the word is hav which means give. This expresses the idea that loving is achieved through giving. The strongest and most satisfying love connections are based on giving. For example, think of a parent's love for a child or a pet owner's love for their dog - the parent and the pet owner are doing all the giving, but the love is deep and meaningful. It is ok to benefit from the other person in our love relationship. However, if the benefit is the only goal and the only pattern in the relationship, the love will not sustain and be soul nurturing.

Enjoy the chocolates and the other luxuries on Valentine's Day, and remember you can be the creator of the love in your relationship.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

My Brain Injury Makes Me Eat Fatty Foods...

2012-02-04T21:02:00.002-05:00

Did you know that eating high-fat foods changed the brains of humans and rodents by causing inflammation and structural damage in the hypothalamus area of the brain? If the humans and rodents continued to eat high-fat foods, the damage became greater. The hypothalamus regulates weight.

It is as if the individual who has indulged in a high fat diet over a long period of time has impaired the brain area responsible for body weight control. The body has become biologically reprogrammed.

The excuse of a brain injury is not far fetched. People think that small lifestyle choices are not that important. In Ayurveda, simple lifestyle recommendations are used to balance one's health. One's diet, sleep habits and exercise routine need to be suited to one's body type and the natural cycle for the body in general for optimal health. The choices we make can create the freedom to live life fully with health in body and spirit. Choosing things that harm us may feel like freedom at the time, but if the choice limits us later on - that is not freedom.

Ayurveda believes in the intelligence of the body to heal itself. It is a natural process that takes time, and it starts with one's lifestyle choices one step at a time.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Chia and the NFL

2012-01-28T21:42:00.002-05:00

No, I am not referring to a chia plant that grows in the shape of a football. You might be able to find that at Walmart or Kmart, but the chia I am talking about is a black, little seed. It is a nutritional powerhouse that has omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, fiber, iron and electrolytes. Baltimore Running Back Ray Rice eats them as part of his training routine.

Athletes want their bodies to be in peak physical shape for maximum performance. There is a lot at stake for professional sport teams. Chia seeds are considered a super food. Since they are a natural food and a natural source of nutrients, chia seeds' nutrients are more easily absorbed and digested by the body. If the body can't absorb a food's vitamins, then the body will not benefit. Digestion is one of the pillars of good health in Ayurveda. Without proper digestion and assimilation of food, the body does not have the proper fuel for the body to function optimally.

Try adding chia seeds to your diet and you may perform like an athlete. Better yet, eat all wholesome, natural foods and you can jog to your local store to get that chia plant in the shape of a football.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Two Kinds Of Happy

2012-01-21T21:47:00.002-05:00

We all want to be happy and many people spend most of their lives trying to feel that way. Yet, sometimes when we try to pursue a goal relentlessly, we can lose sight of what we really wanted.

When is happiness is defined as experiencing pleasure (like good food, movies, television, sports teams wins, etc.) and being in a constant positive state, happiness is rarely achieved. This is known as hedonic well being and is usually found in short term spurts. The pressure to always be happy becomes a psychological burden. The second type of happiness is found when when one is engaged in meaningful, purposeful activity. Known as eudaimonic well being, this type of happiness allows for better health, less cognitive decline in aging, stronger mental health and an overall positive attitude. In fact, a little bit of stress that comes from doing the things you value makes you more resilient, adaptive and strong.

Defining what is meaningful and purposeful varies for each person. If one volunteers for a charity because one feels pressured to do so or is looking for an extrinsic reward, the sense of eudaimonic well being will not be accomplished. Conversely, going to sporting events, eating food you enjoy and going to a movie can bring you eudaimonic well being if done in moderation and as an activity with people you care about. The hard part is finding the balance in attitude. We may not always like what we are doing in the moment, but if we value its purpose and meaning as well as trying to find some joy along the way- we can be happy both ways.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Avoiding Sorry Is Not Good Damage Control

2012-01-14T22:12:00.002-05:00

Many people refuse to apologize or even acknowledge a harm or slight suffered by another. Many times the refusal is rooted in the fear of appearing responsible. Sometimes, there is no real responsibility or fault, but there may be consequences to appearing responsible. Other times, there may be culpability, but people do not want to make it up to the hurt individual. Alternatively, the hurt cannot be made better and people do not want to feel guilty.

Yet, many times when someone has suffered or been slighted in some way, they feel so much better when they are simply acknowledged. The hurt and pain are validated, and the person can move on from there. When someone's feelings and loss are denied or diminished, anger is created, which only intensifies their hurt.

There is scientific proof that saying sorry will not make you more vulnerable. Some states have instituted "apology laws." This means a doctor's apology cannot be used as evidence of medical malpractice. In the past doctors feared apologizing because they would be exposed to financial liability. Yet, most malpractice litigants initiate lawsuits because the doctor showed no remorse or acknowledgement. The states with apology laws have medical malpractice claims settled 20%faster and have reduced claim payments by $55,000 to $73,000 per case. Saying sorry actually helps lessen the cost and aggravation in medical malpractice suits.

Try saying I am sorry in your personal life and see whether that works better for damage control.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Herb Focus - Tulsi a.k.a Holy Basil

2012-01-07T20:05:00.003-05:00

Herbs in Ayurveda are used as "foods" for the body. Their purpose is to eliminate excess and/or strengthen weakness. Herbs have an energetic quality that affect both the physiology and the spirit. Similar to regular food, all herbs have individual tastes which promote an energetic action on the body and the spirit. Herbs are chosen to balance an individual's unique body and/or illness type. The value of using herbs and foods to balance and heal lies in their mildness. If an herb is misused, the results are relatively minor and are easily eliminated from the body within a couple days. Synthetic drugs are more powerful in action and potency. The liver can be overwhelmed trying to process and eliminate them from the body. The excess may create a toxic burden. Since herbs are an integral part of balancing in Ayurveda, I thought it might be interesting to focus on different herbs.

On a spirit level, tulsi is thought to be purifying to one's aura and strengthens one faith and compassion. It promotes mental clarity. Physically, tulsi removes excess congestion (kapha) from the lungs and upper respiratory tract which promotes clear, comfortable breathing. It also bolsters the immune system. Tulsi strengthens body and heart circulation as well as boosting digestion. Strong digestion allows for proper assimilation of nutrients without the body having excess toxic waste from undigested food. Excess waste (ama) can create weight gain. Too much tulsi can increase Pitta in the constitution.

Tulsi has many benefits and is particularly suited to the Vata season which we are now in and the Kapha season which begins in March.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Shrinkage: How You Can Get It Where You Want It

2011-12-31T19:03:00.004-05:00

If the word shrinkage inspires thoughts of Seinfeld, we share the same sense of humor. Shrinkage as immortalized in Seinfeld is a serious issue. Shrinkage can be bad in certain places and good in others. Since this is a "G" rated blog, I refer to shrinkage of our height as we age and the shrinkage of accumulated abdominal fat. The former is bad and the latter is good. The best way to manage shrinkage positively in these areas is aerobic exercise. Please do not stop reading because I used the exercise word.

As we age, we can shrink by a quarter to a third of an inch every decade after age 40. Our muscles lose mass and weaken which causes poor posture. The disks between the vertebrae of the spine lose fluid and flatten. Nutritional deficiencies caused by bad health habits can accelerate the process. Regular or aerobic exercise which is weight bearing like walking and running can help lessen the process. This is bad shrinkage.

Aerobic exercise is also necessary to burn and decrease abdominal fat. It is the best way to burn abdominal mass. Excess abdominal fat is a health risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Hence, a good place for shrinkage.

You do not need to remember what is good or bad shrinkage- you only need to get moving and you will be proportionate in all the right places.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Lights And Gifts

2011-12-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

This time of year whether you celebrate Chanukah or Christmas there are lights (menorah or tree/decorations) and gifts. Since I celebrate Chanukah, I can only write on a lesson that inspires me. I do suspect it can carry a lesson for both holidays.

The lights of the menorah are considered holy and they are not be used- rather they are only to be looked at as one remembers the miracles and victories commemorated by Chanukah. In essence, we are sublimating ourselves to a higher truth instead of indulging are needs and doing things for our benefit. By observing and appreciating the light, we become open to the holiday's message. The idea that light triumphs over darkness. The idea that a miracle can happen even in the darkest, most desperate times. When we set ourselves aside, we are able to see we are supported and cared for even in our difficulties.

Gifts further embellish this idea of putting ourselves aside and focusing on the essence of something else. A gift that reflects the uniqueness of the receiver is a gift that appreciates who and what that individual is. The gift giver sublimates who he is and looks at the receiver without placing his agenda on the recipient. Many times people substitute things as gifts rather than sharing of ourselves and our time. Physical possessions can never replace nurturing and support of real face time. Gifts are great to receive but their purpose is to show our feelings not substitute for interactive connection.

During the winter season, the days are short and filled with more darkness than light. With both holidays, it is a time of lights and gifts that illuminate our spirit despite the physical darkness. By appreciating what the lights represent, we gain more than if we just used them for physical light. If we give gifts in a way that appreciates others for who they are and what they mean to us, we gain more than buying into the idea that happy relationships need to be media induced commercialism. Our relationships can then create more connection and meaning in our lives. Joyfully celebrate the gifts of the meaning and lessons commemorated by your holiday.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Can your Thoughts Change Your "Addiction?"

2011-12-17T20:11:00.002-05:00

When someone's mouth waters for that donut or extra piece of cake, the extra saliva is a sign of physical addiction. The body is showing its need and desire for the food. Usually, when someone is physically addicted to food, they see the tempting food and feel powerless. The mouth salivates, addictive feelings follow and body sensations of a racing heart, sweating, hyperventilating and other uncomfortable symptoms come as well. A person can be addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, shopping and many other things.

What if your thoughts and attitude were bolstered in a positive way before seeing the object of desire? This may prevent the body from salivating and other bodily signs of craving. This hypothesis was supported by a study involving two groups. One group was told to recall a time when they felt powerless and the other group had no instructions. Both groups were shown images of cash. The group recalling a powerless time salivated more than the other group when they saw the money. In another experiment, men, who were instructed to think about dating attractive women, salivated over images of fancy sports cars while the control group did not.

Let's make this information useful. Try to think about something you are proud of or something you feel blessed with and have gratitude for. Take a couple minutes to create the image and feeling. Arm yourself with these positive thoughts before facing your craving weakness. Your mind is very powerful and it can affect how your body and spirit responds to challenges. We do not have to feel trapped, stuck or have our mouth water for things that are not good for us.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Clean Your Breathing Air

2011-12-10T23:03:00.002-05:00

When we think of pollution and contaminants, we think of things like industrial factories and automobile exhaust fumes. Yet, there is another form of pollution that we are exposed to daily in our homes. This is in the forms of chemicals that are used in everything from furniture manufacturing, building insulation, home cleaning products, paints, pesticides and more. It is impossible to escape the number of chemicals that we are exposed to daily. However, we can take action to reduce some of this contamination. The first step is to open windows and allow air flow. This may not be appropriate in certain urban areas or climates. Mechanical ventilation units can clean the indoor air, but they are expensive and require maintenance.

There is a new, natural way to accomplish the purification of indoor air, and this method is inexpensive as well. It is the indoor house plant. Plants such as English Ivy, Purple Waffle Plant, Asparagus Fern, Purple Heart Plant and many others purify the air by reducing contaminants and producing oxygen. You can purchase these plants at Lowe's, Home Depot or your local gardening store. Plants are an easy solution to a complex problem.

Stay healthy & well,

Lisa

The Sounds Of Music Are More Than Just Background Noise

2011-12-03T21:59:00.003-05:00

In Ayurveda, all of the five senses can affect our physiology and our spirit. Sound is one of the ways we can be uplifted, become more focused or relaxed. The mantra used in meditation has a sound value to help move a person to deeper consciousness. There is a traditional piece of music known as the Rain Melody which allows for a more relaxed state so people can release tensions and fall asleep easier.

Many people today use sound and there are many benefits. Athletes will use it to get pumped before a game or competition. Surgeons will listen to music in the operating room to enhance performance and keep their energy up. Police and firemen play music on the way to an emergency call to create more focus. CEO's will prime themselves for the boardroom tangles with their favorite musical tracks. People can tolerate more crowding in their personal space when they are listening to music they like (for example, subway rides, waiting rooms). Music found to be distasteful created a need for more personal space.

Music triggers the brain's pleasure and relaxation center. It can improve concentration and enhance performance. While your MP3 player is a modern innovation, it accomplishes health based in ancient tradition and supported by modern science.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Going With Your Intuition

2011-11-26T19:18:00.002-05:00

Today we live in an era with unlimited choices and options. There are more than 50 varieties of bottled water. Think how many laundry detergents there are or how many types of pens hanging in the office supply store. The amount of information and choices we have to evaluate in order to make a well thought out choice is overwhelming. The conscious, rational mind can only contemplate a limited number of options at a given time. The unconscious mind can sift through large amounts of data without getting overburdened.

Studies have compared when people use their feelings to make purchasing decisions from a large variety of options instead of evaluating the details from a mental viewpoint. When the options are abundant, the feeling group made the better choices. When a small amount of options were available, the mentally focused group made better decisions.

Life today is so complex and can be exhausting with so much to attend to. When we try to conform to standards and goals set by others (like the media and advertisers telling you what you need and have to have or keeping up with the Joneses), we do simply that. What if we lived a life authentically based on the values that support us on an individual level? We each are unique with our special talents and purpose. That unique part of us is equipped to make the best decisions for us. Do not discount your inner feelings and intuition-they will usually be right. The statistics even show it.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa

Pregnancy For Her and Him

2011-11-19T19:43:00.002-05:00

When a woman is pregnant, many fathers to be experience pregnancy symptoms. Men can enjoy the things women during pregnancy enjoy like weight gain, food cravings, fatigue, nausea, mood swings and sleep disturbances. What gives? Dad is not physically pregnant, but his body is behaving like it is.

Men who experience the "pregnancy" actually produce the hormone prolactin. This hormone rises sharply during a woman's pregnancy and is responsible for many of the pregnancy symptoms. Yeah, but how does a man produce prolactin when he isn't even pregnant? Apparently, the more emotionally connected a couple is during conception, pregnancy and birth, the more likely the man is to produce prolactin. Even though weight gain, nausea, mood swings and fatigue do not seem like a good thing, but they really are. The prolactin paves the way for a successful pregnancy, birth and parenting experience. The body is physically preparing for a new baby, but an emotional and mental adjustment is needed as well. Hormones govern our body functions, but they also affect emotional and mental tendencies as well. Prolactin makes people more emotionally sensitive to others and reduces self-ambition and agressive drives.

With the prolactin, the man is becoming a Dad. What is incredible is that a man's desire to be a good Dad and be emotionally connected to his partner creates the physical hormones of pregnancy. The heart's desire and mental processes create a physical bodily change. Our thoughts and intentions powerfully affect our body function and health. Try to cultivate happier emotional responses and watch your body become happy and healthier.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa