If you've already been with me, welcome back!! And, if you're visiting for the first time or have only just tuned into my YouTube channel, welcome- This is actually a great time to begin :) In my first video (Welcome to CMB Bodywork), I mentioned that I enjoy teaching series-based topics. Personality-wise I can be very scattered and squirrelly, so a series is an excellent means for keeping me more focused when teaching others. I have chosen to start with a Chakra Series, beginning from the Root Chakra (Muladhara) and moving up the body. I have selected to do it this way because we live very much in a society where we stay in our brains and our head, rather than connecting to the rest of our being. Also, Muladhara symbolizes trust and foundation, so what would be a better place to start than this? For this topic I have already posted my first video, a meditation- The element of the Muladhara is earth and so this meditation focuses on our connection to it and the trees. It is also a balancing meditation, which I felt was a good thing to establish as we go on this journey of aligining our chakra system. In the coming weeks, I will also share more videos on how we can physically care for this area of the body and also offer other holistic practices to maintain Root Chakra balance. Thank you for placing your trust in me to guide you and taking the time to read this post! I often get asked by clients, students, friends, and family what I do in order to take care of my body when I am feeling under-the-weather. I am super sensitive to medications (Especially antibiotics.) and so I use a natural and holistic approach whenever possible. **I am not a doctor, so please take what I am about to share just as part of your research and apply it if you feel it is best for you. If you are in need of a doctor for a proper diagnosis or for medication, please see your care provider.** This blog post complements the YouTube video I just uploaded. In the video, I go into detail about some of the home remedies I use when I have a cold, or similar symptoms, like those from sinus or allergy trouble. The first thing I do to help ward off a cold is change up my tea-drinking routine. I normally drink caffeinated tea in the mornings, but I switch to peppermint when I'm not feeling well, adding honey to help sooth a sore throat- The honey I use is as local as possible, which also seems to help allergy issues I deal with since moving to the southeast. If you like sweetener in your coffee or tea, honey or agave are great alternatives to white sugar! When I don't feel too well, the next thing I do is mix-up my essential oil application. I enjoy essential oils on a regular basis as a substitute for perfume, diffused to help me relax and focus, using them with clients, among other applications. When I have a cold, I will use them in a variety of ways: I'll apply melaleuca (tea tree) & basil on the outside of my ears and along the muscle which can compress the Eustachian tubes in order to prevent infection and pull out any inflammation. Eucalyptus or something similar on a wet washcloth hung in a warm shower is great for clearing up congestion! A warm, damp washcloth with the same oils applied to the face, along with the use of saline spray is a great alternative to the Neti pot if you're not a fan of pouring liquid into your nose (Like me). Immune-supporting oils/blends diffused or rubbed into the bottoms of your feet before putting on socks are a great help for any ailment! *Tips for when applying oils: Lighter/gentle massage when applying topically is better for aiding in the movement of the lymphatic system, which often promotes quicker recovery- More pressure isn't always best! Also, please be sure to use a carrier oil (Coconut, olive oil, grape seed, just to name a few.) when using essential oils because when applied neat (Without a carrier oil.) they can cause skin irritation, which can be minor or severe. Remember, less is more when it comes to the use of these oils/blends- They are very potent! These are just some of the natural things I do to aid my body in recovering from illness. Of course, I do my best to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat as clean as possible. If you have any further questions, or have something to add, please feel free to leave a comment. I appreciate the feedback! For more detail, please check out my YouTube video: |
Author-Christina is a Bodywork Therapist and Yoga Teacher in the Charlotte, NC area with a passion for writing. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this blog!! Archives
August 2019
Categories |