Holistics : Is there a one size fits all ?

Holistic is the thought, assumption or realization that a sick body needs to be addressed on all fronts. The mind, body and spirit, that the body can not heal fully when dissected in to sections and then treated in sections instead of the whole. The body Mind and spirit are all in the whole of one's body. The holistic approach is that to get the best results, treat the body as a whole versus dissection in to groups and " organ systems". The mind is a great thing and can not be ignored in the treatment of any aliment. The mind can harbor negative emotions that have to be released through a relaxation technique, rather it is yoga, mediation or deep breathing. The emotions are just as dangerous for the body as any other sickness. The body, this is the one with the main focus, the body is your home, it is where you live, you only get one and that is it. It is important but the body encapsulates the mind and the spirit, therefore, all working together in a perfect synergy. This in Holistic Therapy is where the goal, to health, lies.

The mind is the part of the body that takes in the surrounding events. The smells and the sounds, the emotions and the awareness that you are in this world. This is where we "feel" some positive emotions are:

• Love
• happiness
• joy
• contentment
• a feeling of accomplishment
• pleasure

These are all positive emotions and these all we love and long for. It is also where we feel negative emotions these can include:

• Grief
• Anxiety
• depression
• disgust
• over whelmed
• humiliation

These are just a few of the negative emotions and these are the ones that though we all have to, at some point in our lives , face. These are the ones that get stored in the mind and then cause, over time, negative effects on the body and these are just as important as eating your vegetables for the body. The negative emotion often times get harbored and built on to as we live our lives. Some people just don't know what to do so they, like me, cry and talk my best friend or mother's ears off ! This is a good way to let these bad boys out. These are the ones that have to be addressed. Just as when you see something funny you can not help but laugh. Well when something effects you negatively, are you going to harbor it. Men are more likely to harbor emotions being they have the " macho" reputation to up hold. However, this doesn't make it ok for men, these emotions wreak havoc on the body. Stress makes the body produce cortisol, the stress hormone, this hormone, over time can lead to several aliments that you are not going to want to face. Though you may not feel the repercussions now, your body knows it and it is in what they call a " fight or flight" mode and this weakens the immune system and allows for blood pressure to rise as well as your waistline.

Chronic stress from negative attitudes and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can upset the body's hormone balance and deplete the brain chemicals required for feelings of happiness, as well as have a damaging impact on the immune system. New scientific understandings have also identified the process by which chronic stress can actually decrease our lifespan by shortening our telomeres (the “end caps” of our DNA strands, which play a big role in aging).

Poorly managed or repressed anger (hostility) is also related to a slew of health conditions, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, digestive disorders, and infection.

You are probably asking how you can change this. Though it is not easy you have to " rewire" your self to not allow negatives to enter in to your thoughts. Focus on the good in all things and know that any negative event allows you some choices and those are the ability to not sweat the small stuff. Though we are all faced with our own obstacles the important part is to try to notice the positives and allow those to take hold. Being Thankful is one of the best ways to allow the mind's process to change or not react so severely. There are several things to be happy for and thankful in. Let's just say for a moment that your significant other maybe acts a little annoyed when they come home, and you were in a ok mood but now the significant other is just being negative, very short in responses to you and though, it is not your fault the actions are taking there toll on your emotions and you are about to get filled with anger and let the other person know that you disapprove of his/her actions. But before lashing out lets look at what choices we have , We can sit back and think, what could have happened that made them so upset or we can choose to ignore it, knowing that we are not responsible. Whichever way you choose, ask if an argument is worth the ill effects. I am not saying things are not going to require a negative response, I am saying to choose wisely.

The Mind is a beautiful thing and it is just as important as the body and spirit. You won't mind taking care of the Mind.

Holistic treatments are very numerous and all have the ability to help in some areas. Although, holistic treatments, or alternative therapies, have not been evaluated by the FDA nor have drug companies put forth the funds to study them in great detail. The reasons for this are as individual as the people that actually take the time to wonder why. However, these treatments haven't been evaluated by today's standards, but in decades of our ancestors and their ancestors. These treatments have been around far longer than the 100 years of drugs and the Medical Schools for today. Alternative is actually the traditional and Medical came in and devoured this with there pills and scientific studies rather false or real one may never know. However, I am not saying that drugs have not helped several people at the cost of billions a year. I am just saying I have never heard of a lack of drugs makes one feel bad. I have heard of iron, magnesium, zinc etc.. deficiency . Have you ever thought about how the diseases seem to soar in today's world with medicine in full effect ? Maybe not, but it is true the disease rates are at all time highs along with obesity. Maybe now we will begin to think on this.

Our food sources have changed dramatically. We have went from growing our own to trusting the commercial farmer with this most valuable job. The commercial farmer has the goal of his pockets in mind. Not that of your health and your families health. Autism rates are soaring and have been projected to reach all time highs at 1 in 2 children will experience autism in 2025. That is a hard statistic to take. This is our future and the future of this great country. What then, well at this rate one may wonder what will happen by 2050. I am not saying commercial farmers are giving our children autism I am simply opening your mind up for another option.

Currently we are experiencing epidemics and that includes gluten intolerance as well as lactose intolerance by the multitudes. It is known that these commercial farmers are putting round-up in the seeds of our very foods and it is poisoning our families all while the FDA sits back and says they are fine. Yet a plant, that grows naturally, cannibus or hemp whichever you choose, are illegal. This to me does not make sense and leaves one to wonder if the FDA is on our side or on the side of money. I am simply expressing my thoughts with you and allowing you to explore your own thoughts.

So with this knowledge it might would leave someone to grow their own food or choose that of a local farmer that only wants to make ends meet and provide high quality foods from the same town you live in. Local farmers are getting a lot of attention from the holistic field. I would prefer to know that the food I am going to feed my family is free from poisons.

My first foolproof recommendation is to buy local organic foods. As far as your meats you want to limit pork and red meat and focus on chicken and fish. Grown in their natural environment. Eating what God made them to eat. Grass-fed Beef and Free-range chicken, organic of course. Organic is important you do not want added antibiotics and steroids. This can lead to drug resistant bacteria as well as obesity. For the fish have a day of fishing with the family or best friend then filet them yourselves or take them to the local butcher. There may be a small fee but you know where the meat came from. My favorite is farm-raised fish this is a red flag if I have ever seen one. Farm- Raised fish ? Really? How many fish farms have you heard of ? Obviously, this is not a product I would choose to feed my family. If you have a hunter in the family or you are a hunter, what better way to get your meat. A truly all natural source that has roamed in it's natural environment.

Food that is allowed to grow naturally without interference from human experiments is going to be the first step in healing the body holistically. Pesticides, herbicides and insecticides have no room in the diet of a healthy lifestyle and must be taken seriously.

By now we have all heard or seen something on essential Oils and the benefits of using them, properly. What is essential oils ? Essential oils is the essence of a plant distilled from it's roots , leaves and stem. It offers the plant immunity against bacteria and fungi, it is known as the plants immune system. This offers some benefit to your health and can improve you in areas according to the plant. Essential Oils are another area where you can look for help in healing as a whole person. Essential Oils have been used from everything from a runny nose to a digestive disorder. There are several companies out there that now sale essential oils. This is an important area. You will want to get the highest quality oil. Some generic oils may contain pesticides and other toxins. This is what you want to avoid. Use only good quality oils. They may say something along the lines of Therapeutic grade oil.

Essential Oils can be used in many different ways. However, If you choose to incorporate this know that some oils are "hot" and require a carrier oil. Do your research or contact a distributor for some insight on using essential oils. However, I have some knowledge that I can pass on to you . Peppermint is an essential oil that can be used to help with stomach issues. Several essential oils are anti-bacterial, anti-viral , anti-inflammatory and then some for cuts and scrapes. Essential oils can be used as a barrier for cold, flu and other bacteria in the home. When diffused In to the air they can keep you from getting sick, or help you to recover more quickly.

Several people are afraid to try essential oils, however, they will use the next best chemical available . I personally would choose something natural any day. All the money we spend on air fresheners and making our homes and vehicles smell better. We can go to a diffuser for the home, not only do they smell great, they are beneficial for your health. As for the vehicles you can put a couple of drops on the rugs or under the seat. This works better and last longer than the little chemical trees you hang around the mirror.

Essential oils have been around for several years and have been used for medicinal purposes. There are several aliments that can benefit from essential oils. It is important to know that all oils are not created equal. There are several different oils and there are several different precautions . For an instance some oils have to be used sparingly and must have a " carrier oil" before applying to the skin. These oils are often referred to as " hot" oils. Some oils work for viruses and some for bacteria. Several oils carry multiple properties and some have more specific purposes. Get your knowledge before applying oils to your body with out a carrier oil. To diffuse the oils is probably the safest way to jump on an adventure with essential oils. I use diffusers daily and have found enjoyment from all, in my household. My family members make the comment that " they have to get one of those" referring to the diffuser and the benefits that come from the use of one . My baby went from at the doctors every other week, for a bug, to me missing her well baby check up. Not on purpose, just that when we are not sick we don't think that much about doctors, or the lack there of.

There are several recipes that you can try and see what you think . If you just want to use them for a healthier source of " smell good" to start out with. The diffusers are usually pre equipped with a 1-4 hour timer. My diffuser is set to a three hour setting and this works well. My recipe below is one I believe smells like cinnamon apples:

3 ounces of purified water

5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

3 drops of cinnamon bark essential oil

3 drops of rosemary essential oil

2 drops of peppermint essential oil

2 drops of clove essential oil

Put this in to your diffuser and enjoy, the smell of cinnamon apples or alter to a smell you may enjoy more. While you are enjoying the aroma you are reaping health benefits. You can add different mixtures for different smells and benefits.

The purifying blends are beneficial for keeping pathogens at bay, these can be purchased in different blends for the same purpose. These will vary in what they are labeled according to the manufacture. I use one called " clear the air" and also one called " purification" they both do the same thing, they are just called something different. You can ask, or research which one you will use, that is a smell you enjoy.

There are also blends for sleep, stress, the blues and so on these will be labeled according to what they are used for, such as, restful sleep, or cheer up buttercup. Again these are just some ideas you can use different manufactures for oils. These will be named according to the desires of the manufacture

In closing I will say there are different grades of oils and the higher the grade the better the benefits as well as avoiding additives that some " cheaper" manufactures may add to there product. I do not endorse a specific oil, however, I am one to make sure that the brand(s) I use are a reliable source of organic, wholesome products. Give me my oils and I am a happy lady. .

Lifestyle, this pretty much explains itself. Holistic health will mainly focus on your lifestyle. Those that have a dangerous lifestyle are risking a dangerous disease. Lifestyles play a major role in the quantity as well as quality of your years. Of course we all get down and dirty from time to time the important part is that you, focus on living a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, fresh fruits and vegetables and though I prefer none, I will say very few processed foods. A good rule of thumb for processed food is to ask yourself if you could grow what you are eating, or get it in the wild, on a farm or if there were no more grocery stores. Can you grow a noodle? How about a piece of cheese? No, we all know you can't grow a noodle or a piece of cheese so these are just two processed food I will mention. As you see if your eating habits involve mostly things you can not or no one could grow, then maybe this is part of your lifestyle that needs to be addressed. What about water or sleep ? These items are important to living a good lifestyle. It is recommended that you drink at least 64 ounces of water daily as well as get 8 hours of sleep. If you are lacking in these areas it may be worth looking at your lifestyle to maximize your health. Small steps increase the benefits of your lifestyle. You can not make the change overnight, however, it is important that you do not have a sedentary lifestyle. If your job requires you to sit all day it is recommended that you get up and walk 10 minutes out of every hour. This small 10 minute and hour change can add years to you life, as well as life to your years. Lifestyles are the way we have come to lead our lives. It is our choice on what we do with this, for it is ones own self that can determine the quality in your years.

• Manage your stress
• Eat for your health, not taste buds
  
• exercise daily
  
• walk around, don't sit to long
  
• Grow your own food, or buy local organic
  
• Drink water
  
• Get 8 hours of sleep
  
• Stay away from alcohol
  
• Stay away from chemicals
  
• Get sunshine daily
  
• get fresh air daily
  

These are some good lifestyle habits, gradually work on your lifestyle. No one can change over night it takes approximately 90 days to create a new habit. Focus on the benefits and not the sacrifices. These are the steps to conquer the most life out of your years.

The CDC focus on lifestyles, in children, and the affects there of by stating that : Most people do not think that chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes affect children, but children with a strong family history of these diseases can show signs in childhood. However, having a family history of a disease does not mean that your child will get that disease. Children with a family history of chronic diseases can benefit from developing good lifestyle habits, such as exercising and eating healthy, right away. These habits can benefit the entire family and might help prevent or delay these conditions.

The American Heart association has this to say about lifestyles and disease, A healthy diet and lifestyle are your best weapons to fight cardiovascular disease. It’s not as hard as you may think! Remember, it's the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Make the simple steps below part of your life for long-term benefits to your health and your heart.

Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all the food groups.

You may be eating plenty of food, but your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs to be healthy. Nutrient-rich foods have vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but are lower in calories. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables may help you control your weight, cholesterol and your blood pressure.

To get the nutrients you need, eat a dietary pattern that emphasizes:

• fruits, vegetables,
• whole grains,
• low-fat dairy products,
• poultry, fish and nuts,
• while limiting red meat and sugary foods and beverages.

New research from the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, shows that you can lower your risk of heart disease by using even a small amount of time on simple, low-impact physical activity. Researchers also found that over the course of a decade, middle-aged adults who regularly used their leisure time to get active showed lower levels of inflammation of the arteries. And people with lower markers for inflammation usually enjoy a lowered risk of heart disease.

This is just a touch in the bucket of what a healthy lifestyle can benefit and prevent. As we all tarry on our lives journey's it can be easily forgotten, but our lifestyles are what can hold the future and without the time to be healthy one can only lead to a life full of chronic disease and the sufferings thereof. Choose today to be healthier for tomorrow. Find the time and put forth the energy. You will appreciate it when you are elderly and maintaining your own instead of relying on someone else.

• Mind Body and Spirit
• Healthier choices = Healthier lives
  
• Health Benefits for treating as a whole
  
• No side effects
  
• Maintains quality and quantity
  
• no one size fits all
  
• incorporate lifestyles for health
  
• reduce risks for terminal diseases
  

The answer is No there is no one size fits all. To be the best you, there are all fronts that need to be addressed. You have to clear your mind and control the stress levels. You have two choices in every situation, stay calm or stress out, the choice is yours. You have to feed the body and not the taste buds. You need to remember that the food you eat either fuels the body or disease. You can not exercise, use essential oils and not have a healthy diet. Diet is probably one of the main things that you need to address to heal and help the body. Essential oils are good and have several benefits, however, you can use all the essential oils you want but if your diet is not healthy this may just be a waste of time. Exercise is right there with diet you can eat all the healthy food you can, but if you are not moving the body can not get the nutrients needed to the cells, and the cells needed around the body, quickly and therefore result in a sedentary body. Lifestyle is all the good put together and all benefit the body as a whole. Lifestyles incorporate diet, exercise and the benefits as a routine. That leads to a healthy mind, body and spirit. You can use all the essential oils, health foods, supplements etc. You want but if your complete lifestyle is not healthy then it may just be a waste of time. So though there is no one size fits all the benefits of the overall lifestyle is where you will reach healing. There is more to health than a few foods or oils you must reach the synergy from all involved. Start slowly and work from there. Set a goal 100 day, goal and make a plan to be operating a healthy lifestyle in 100 days. Each day make a new change or step towards the goal. Make sure you do not get stuck in old habits. Press on, some days are harder than others but you will get there if you keep on for the goal. To run a marathon you have months of practice to complete, to successfully acquire the goal. Same with lifestyle, small changes to a greater tomorrow. Here is to your health and life, quality and quantity, making small steps will eventually reach the finish line.