I met Joan Young at the recent "Publish Now!" seminar the Writer's Center and when she told me about her book, Wish by Spirit: A Journey of Recovery and Healing from an Autoimmune Disease, I was fascinated. It's an eye-opener of a memoir, and for anyone suffering from a serious health condition, a walloping dose of inspiration. Read excerpts from her book, and also, be sure to check out her links page for alternative health resources, on her webpage, www.gemwrite.com .
By Joan Young5 Inexpensive and Unexpected Tips for Healthy Living
For the last 20 years, on my quest to remain healthy, I learned of many ways to avoid pills and take control of my body in a more natural way. I love these might-help-can’t-harm techniques and am pleased to share some of them with you.
Irrigate your nose – Drip warm salt water through your nose and spit. Sounds awful, but is really quite soothing. Based on an Ayurvedic (ancient Indian) medicine tradition, this technique has been used for thousands of years to help prevent colds and sinus infections, mitigate allergies, and keep the nostrils open for easy breathing.
Chew your food – Not the usual 4 or 5 chomps per bite, but 20, 30 or more helps you lose weight, improve digestion, and kill bacteria.
Regulate your breath – Breathing is the only autonomic nervous system function that works independently AND that you can control to regulate body functions such as blood pressure. Use breathing techniques to both energize your body and reduce stress.
Cleanse with oil – Swish a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your mouth when you wake up to jump-start your metabolism, improve dental health, and clear those toxins from the body….another Ayurvedic tradition.
Drink hot water – Ditch the ice cubes and fire up the tea kettle to help detoxify your body and improve digestion… surprisingly helpful, even in the summer. Add a little lemon for an extra healing boost.++++++
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