​ Happy Holidays and Happy End of the Year! I can’t believe another year has zoomed by. When I take time to reflect on this year that is almost over, I’m amazed at all that was accomplished and the immense highs and lows of experiences. One highlight of the year was finally meeting, face to face, a group of incredible women from all over the world, that I’ve been blessed to work with for over the last two years in a special coaching program called Natural Success. One of the lows this year was the death, on the morning of my birthday, of a dear friend and mentor of over 20 years. There are so many other events I could mention and I’m sure your year too was rich in it’s depths.


One of the take aways I’d like to leave my subscribers with is with age, I’m finally getting how important protecting one’s peace is. I hope I can share that perspective here with others. I feel, Protecting One's Peace, is an active action, especially as an adult, and not something passive that we can totally rely on others to do for us. This includes whether its peace of mind, peace in the community, country or home space, and also our own health, be it mental or physical. Cultivating peace, just like we can cultivate a garden, starts with awareness and that is something we, as individuals, and hopefully a society, determine is valuable and important. In the blink of an eye, peace can be shattered, like when the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan during WWII. As a side note, during my visit to Japan last year, I went to both peace parks at the two Atomic bomb drop sites, Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Or like when the Twin Towers in New York City were destroyed back in 2011...


Peace, may not be exciting. I think back to my younger years when I didn’t know any better about a lot of things and the level of emotional drama I lived in. This is now almost commical to think back on. For me, peace in general sounds great, as other people’s drama is usually more than enough to keep life very interesting. You can turn on the news for a bit of extra excitment! Our own news companies and even sometimes our local governments, at least here in the United States, seem to be very good at riling up the people on various topics.


I think for those of us living in more ‘developed’ and usually peaceful countries, despite what our local news would portray, we may often take peace for granted where folks before us may have 'fought' and worked hard for whatever freedoms and conveniences we now enjoy like access to clean water, free Libraries, and the ability to live where we want, more or less speaking. When I say 'fight', I don’t mean just the literal physical battling, like a soldier on the battle field. There is also the 'fighting' by lawyers, intellectuals, or just passionate citizens using whatever resources they had in those moments, so today we get to reap those gifts now enjoyed.


With the wars raging in places like Ukraine and in the Middle East and just reflecting on the turbulences of my own life, I know how important it is to put energy and effort into creating more peace in one's life and in doing so, I'm sure there is a ripple outward effect of more peace in general. Here is an hour long interview I asked one of my Systema martial arts instructors to elaborate more on the topic of “Protect Your Peace”. I felt Emmanuel was a good person to elaborate on this topic because he’s an acomplished martial artist and professional athete for around 30 years, is a mentor and coach, and is an all-around amazing human being.

Here is the link to the unedited video interview from September 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

You can read more about Emmanuel here: www.fight-club.ca Also, if you are looking for a great holiday gift idea for those you love, or even yourself, consider buying a gift certificate at Belly and Body Care here: https://BellyandBodyCareSessio...

For the month of December, I’m offering $20 off any session including off of any package deals. If you’d like to book something for yourself before the end of the year or into the new year, you can apply this for yourself or gift-certificate for a friend. Type in “Twenty” in the coupon box at check to take advantage of this holiday-cheer discount. To redeem the $20-off you must book by Jan. 1st  and sessions can be used, for a limited time, into the New Year.

Until next time! 

With love,
Elizabeth

This is a follow-up newsletter to the previous newsletter, that discussed how life’s hardships can act on us like the sword-smith forging a new sword. In the case of humans, when we’ve had the metaphorical crud beaten out of us, hopefully the end result is we are  aka- wiser, sharper in life, and better able to cut through future obstacles. However, what happens when the pressures of life are so great or take such a toll, we break? Maybe it is our mind and emotional state that breaks with a mental break down or our body actually breaks down and we become sick and/or injured. What comes next? I believe this is where ‘Kintsugi’ steps in.


If you missed the previous newsletter, dated July 19, 2023 and would like to read it, here is the direct link: http://www.bellyandbodycare.com/blog


Mending the Broken:
‘Kintsugi,' sometimes also referred to as ‘Kintsukuroi,' is a Japanese art form of mending broken pottery that literally translate into “golden repair”. The repair process is usually done with lacquer that is mixed with gold or silver as a finishing touch. This repair process is actually quite complex and nuanced and can take some time to master, but for simplicities sake, things will be kept simple in this newsletter.


No one is certain where or when this art form first was born in Japan, but it is widely believed that Kintsugi probably came about in the 15th century. The story goes, a Shogun, a military ruler, named Ashikaga Yoshimasa broke his favorite tea bowl. He then asked the people that served him to repair it. Some genius, or geniuses, within the Shogun’s court came up with the brilliant idea of using lacquer to glue the pottery back together and finished everything off with a bit gold dust. 


The broken bowl, something that normally would have been discarded, was turned into something more valuable due to the gold, and perhaps maybe even more beautiful. Unlike many other repair techniques of household items that usually try to hide flaws and imperfections, Kintsugi highlights and puts on display all the cracks, letting the piece tell its story.


I have found in my own life, sometimes how a hardship effects us is often more about what  perspective we take in regards to what actually happened. It’s easy to want to hide and/or try to discard what we feel has been broken, maybe even feel sorry for ourselves, as in “why did this happen to me?”. Sometimes, we can feel so battered and broken with so many battle scars, it might seem impossible to feel lovable or useful again. Have you ever been in or are you in that place right now?


With Kintsugi, I feel this process teaches that with a little love, care, and effort, maybe with the right positive inputs, the ‘gold dust’, we too can mend and become a valuable treasure to share and show. Our stories, are the cracks and hard won lessons of our life. Kintsugi uses the highest quality lacquer and precious metals to highlight those cracks. What are the things you do to mend yourself? What is your 'gold dust'?  Maybe that gold dust comes in the form of good quality food and water, proper sleep, or seeing the right kinds of health care professional to help with your unique situation. Mending oneself isn't always easy, but certainly a process, I feel worth investing in however that looks for you. 


For the month of October, here’s a little ‘gold dust’ and 'lacquer' glue for your own metaphorical Kintsugi project in the form of two Fall/October specials.


1) Fall 25% off Any Hand’s-On Single Session:
For the month of October, starting with the release of this Newsletter, until October 31st, I’m running a Hands-on Fall special, 25% off all individual services including an Initial Arvigo Belly Therapy session.


Yon can buy as many sessions as you’d like with this discount code, as long as sessions are purchased before October 31st. These kinds of discounts are normally only for folks buying large treatment packages. You may book sessions past October. Also, I’ll be opening up at least one weekend day / month over the holiday seasons to help fit people in that might be traveling from far. Please check the calendar for availability.


To take advantage of this special type in KINTSUGI in the coupon code box at check out to apply the 25% discount. Again these sessions are Only applicable to single sessions, and does not include packages. Feel free to share with family and friends! Click here to book your session (s) now: https://app.acuityscheduling.c...


2) Discounted Intuitive Readings:
Also, for the month of October, I’m offering a super special discount on intuitive readings, either in email written format or as an audio recording over WhatsApp or facebook messenger on a single topic of choice.


Since 2020, I’ve been working closely with the intuitive coaching community called Natural Success and have gone through the complete training. I would love to do more online mentoring and coaching in this work and in the spirit of jump starting that intention, I'm offering the super special rate is $12 (USD) for a short reading on any one topic. If this work calls you and even $12 (USD) is too much, feel free to reach out and we can see about working out another arrangement. This intuitive work is gentle, insightful and really helps to get to the heart of the matter literally.

To book a short intuitive reading on any one topic click here:
Readings sent by email so please provide your topic of choice and best email address.
​
Hope to hear from you soon!

With love,
Elizabeth


***For your viewing pleasure, more images of Kintsugi taken from the web.***

Hello there!

July's newsletter will cover both June and July news and updates since June was unintentionally missed. A lot has been happening both on a personal and professional level and the time has gotten away. Finally though, life seems to be slowing down a little bit. This newsletter will be a little different than some of my more health focused newsletters in that I’d like to bring in some of my martial arts musings. As some of you know, one of my hobbies is the study of martial arts which I have studied for several years. Even though I wouldn't consider myself particularly skilled in this art, it is a study I quite enjoy and try to go as deep as possible.


We all face the pressures of life and living. Pretty much all of us struggle and are faced with great odds at some point in this life even if your pressures are classified as 1st world problems such as missing your favorite tv series due to work or dealing with rush hour traffic. Sometimes these pressures are overwhelming, and as in the artistic practice of making a fine sword, whether it’s a Katana from the samurai of Japan or a broad sword from a Viking of the ancient cold European countries, a lot of pressure from the pounding and heat and sudden and precise cooling goes into the creation of a sword no matter where in the world it is made.


When there exists a really skilled sword-smith, that person would have learned through apprenticing and trial and error that great intensity, effort and focus are required to make a particular excellent sword. This involves the endless pounding of raw ore to literally beat out the impurities and bring together in a particular composition the carbons of the steal so the sword can hopefully be strong, flexible and maintain its sharpness as much as possible under use by a skilled sword fighter. 


Like the making of a sword, I believe just living life and going through the normal trials and tribulations of living can beat out of us what isn’t important and what isn’t essential to our well being and make us stronger as individuals. It is under these pressures of living that I believe we come to find what is most important and meaningful to us. All the rest, the dross, hopefully is dropped by the way side.


However, similar to creating a sword, if there is too much intensity, heating up the metal too fast, too much beating at the wrong times, cooling the sword down too fast and not in the correct way, with not enough beating out of the impurities, we too like a sword can crack and distort under great pressures...And just like it is up to the sword-smith’s skill and knowledge of pushing just hard enough but not too hard in the make of a great sword, we too have to learn to not push ourselves too hard and know when to rest and when to back off, kind of like in the lyrics of that old Kenny Rogers song, The Gambler "[...] know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run...[...]".... Unlike a sword that is a hard metal, we are these soft organic conglomerates of flesh and spirit, and both flesh and spirit can heal with the right amount of time and the right kind of care, attention and dedication to healing, but it is better to not crack in the first place. So yes the pressures of life do make us stronger and better humans, I believe, but even the best of us can buckle and crack under too much pressure, so always be kind to yourself especially under pressure.

​And with that this is my above reflections about the importance of pressure and allowing life to temper and make us into excellent human beings but not too much tempering.


Hope you enjoyed this short reflection. For the month of July going into August not much has changed at Belly and Body Care. I will have a few extra produce from the garden such as tomatoes, squash, basil and zucchini. If you fancy yourself something home grown with lots of love and organic goodness from the garden, then let me know and I’ll bring what I have extra to your session. These extras are for sale just to folks in my community.



Also coming up this Wednesday, July 26th, if you’d like to support a good cause and get some integration and support with trauma and overwhelm, my friend and colleague Debbie Loshbrough will be having a group healing fund raiser at 7:30pm EST. All proceeds go towards helping a young man afford medical costs and an important surgery to help him walk again. Debbie is an incredible energy healer and facilitator. If you’d like to sign up or just learn more click the link below..
https://www.hhcollectivewellness.com/masons-recovery-fund-raising-group-healing-session
Cost: $33 - A steal of a price, Debbie charges much more her private sessions and other group sessions. All proceeds go towards medical bills of the family in need.
Location: Online zoom session. Link sent upon registration.
Date: Wedneday July 26th @7:30pm EST.


Hope you enjoyed reading something a little out of the ordinary at Belly and Body Care. Here's to forging the new, better version of yourself and using life's pressure as an opportunity to grow into your best self!


With love,
Elizabeth

Dear Readers, 

In the this trying time of a world pandemic I thought I would provide what I personally do to help keep myself and my family as safe as possible during this time or at most any other time. As many of you know I’m still in the USA, until further notice and right now the USA is being hit hard by Covid-19.


For those that don’t know me well or much about my background other than my women’s work, I spent a couple of years in and out of a microbiology lab a long time ago during my late teenage years and learned early on the challenges dealing with microbes. I have also worked in the wellness and holistic health industries for about 20 years now and am connected to some of the best holistic healers you will find anywhere in the world, in a wide variety of fields ranging from birth, sports, neurology, energy medicine to functional and genetic medicine. I’ve been around the block so to speak in both the holistic and Western practices fields, because I'm also surrounded by those that have family and friends in the conventional Western medical model. Myself, family, friends, and many clients have spent a lot of quality time in the allopathic scene and I do not hesitate to go an allopathic route if needed. This news letter is not a who is better (allopathic or holistic medicine) but more written in the spirit of team work and early prevention.

This newsletter focuses on holistic approaches to hopefully prevent and cope with the early onset of Covid-19, because as our medical system and the worlds continues to be placed under more pressure, what we have to fall back on in times of crisis is our own knowledge and resources. Hopefully we won't come to that.


There is also a lot of information out there, some useful and some not as useful or even misleading. For example, there is a video circulating facebook messenger of using of a blow dryer on your face to heat up the nasal passages to destroy possible virus cells that maybe there. Please note, if you’ve been sent this video by well meaning friends and family, the Covid-19 virus targets the back of the throat (where it starts) and lungs, not the nasal passages located behind the eyes and nose. The blow dryer method of dealing with Covid-19 is effectively useless in this case. 


Below you may find some helpful information and some information you may already know. Some information maybe surprising like how to really properly wash your hands or the use of baking soda! I also hope to provide a little inspiration and levity too during this time. 


Fear maybe the greatest disease we all face, even greater than the Covid-19 virus. When in fear, we do not have the capacity to think clearly and objectively, nor always make the wisest decisions for ourselves and loved ones. However, I also feel it's important to take this virus and it’s health consequences to those most severely effected and at risk seriously.


Please note, I am not a medical doctor though I have some of the same cross training as a medical doctor such as in anatomy and physiology including I have studied on cadavers. I have endeavored to be as accurate as possible and note clearly many of the suggestions listed have not been directly studied on Covid-19, at least not yet.

If you choose to follow any suggestions here you do so at your own risk, though I have endeavored to give as balanced and as medical reviews as possible. Most of these suggestions are best when applied early on at the first signs of symptoms and as prevention. Our first line of defense is our own health and second to that, is proper hygiene.


Also note, being young doesn’t make you immune to possible devastating effects of Covid-19. The greatest risk is getting sick while we have an overwhelmed medical system and severe national shortage of lifesaving supplies. In this light, this newsletter is written to hopefully help keep people safe at least long enough that if you have an issue it won’t be during the spike of this cases during the pandemic.


Before I dive into what I do or would do, here is a quote from Bruce Lipton, a developmental biologist from the USA and author of The Biology of Belief, a book about how our thoughts and belief’s shape our very biology.

 “As presented in The Biology of Belief, stress is responsible for up to 90% of illness, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes. When an individual is in stress, the release of stress hormones (e.g., cortisol) shuts down the immune system to conserve the body’s energy for running away from the perceived stressor, that proverbial “saber-toothed tiger.” […]. If you make efforts to stay healthy, with good nutrition, exercise, taking vitamins and supplements, and more importantly, avoiding stress (e.g., the “fear” of the virus), even if you do get infected with the virus, you will likely only end up with a cold and/or slight fever. […]. The point here is that no matter who you are and what your state of health, you will only benefit from steering clear of the fear and supporting yourself in whatever way feels best to you. Please remember the truth of quantum physics, the most valid of all sciences on the planet: Consciousness is creating your life experiences! Are you being conscious of disease … or of health? Wishing you all Health, Happiness and Harmony. With Love and Light, Bruce”


We all need to manage stress as best we can during this trying time, while staying real and present.


Below is a broken out list of what I’m doing to stay safe and what I’d do if I suspect an issue.


Cover hair and as much of the body as possible when going out:
If personal health is the first line of defense, prevention of the spread of Covid-19 is the second line of defense. For this reason, for those that need to go out from time to time to pick up medical supplies, groceries, or what ever, I strongly suggest the covering of hair, and wearing of a mask and long sleeves and pants, when out in public.


This virus can survive from a few hours to a few days on surfaces like clothing and hair. If you do not cover your hair, it would be wise to wash your hair after going out. In the case of those with long hair or hair that doesn’t do well with frequent washing, covering your hair allows you to wash the hair cover instead of your hair. Make sure to remove and wash all clothing as soon as you enter your house. Also make sure the hair covering covers all the hair. 


Better yet, if you have a garage, after going out, change in your garage and then put clothing in a safe place before washing or directly into the washing machine. If you do not cover your hair/head when going out, make sure to shower completely upon returning home. A basic machine wash and dry of clothing set on a regular cycle with regular detergent is enough to safely deactivate the virus.


Hand washing video (excellent):
This video shows how to properly wash the hands for 20 seconds and is highly informative. It’s in Spanish but the black paint on white gloves get’s the point across beautifully on how easy it is to miss parts of the hands, such as the sides of the wrists. I even learned a thing or two watching this video and I can be very OCD about this kind of thing. I strongly recommend watching this video as a refresher to even the most germ phobic: 
https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/fltz4d/this_guy_shows_how_soap_will_spread_on_your_hands/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf


Sanitization of surfaces video + food safety considerations:
The virus seems to break down faster in heat and direct sunlight. However, it has been shown to possibly survive as long as 2 years in cold/frozen conditions, so putting food in the the freezer won’t protect you or your family members. However, cooked food is generally thought of as safe. Check out this video for safely tips when dealing with food from the grocery and take out.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2824177150951542/permalink/2856488297720427/?app=fbl


Ozone machine both single room and travel size:
Ozone has been shown to effectively kill SARS that is a close relative to Covid-19. It is believed ozone will have a similar effect on Covid-19. If I had Covid-19 or was dealing with a sick person in the house, I would run ozone in a room after a sick person has been in it or before sleeping in any new room, such as during times of travel. 


Before we were suggested to be on lock down here in the State of Georgia, I was running my ozone machine before and after clients, at the start and finish of my day as an extra safety precaution for myself and clients. Below is an article on ozone used to effectively destroy SARs. Please note ozone has been noted to kill fungi, bacteria, and certain virus’s. 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/ozone-can-be-used-to-destroy-the-new-coronavirus-and-disinfect-areas


These are two units that look like they could do the job on Amazon. Please note I am not getting anything for the promotion of these items nor have I used either of these machines before.


Small ozone unit (blue):
https://www.amazon.com/Airthereal-MA5000-Commercial-Generator-Deodorizer/dp/B0795P2674/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_pm?ac_md=3-0-VW5kZXIgJDEwMA%3D%3D-ac_d_pm&crid=1DWZHWXANJEWO&cv_ct_cx=ozone%2Bgenerator%2Bair%2Bpurifier&keywords=ozone%2Bgenerator%2Bair%2Bpurifier&pd_rd_i=B0795P2674&pd_rd_r=2a53fd68-62eb-4595-a596-c3866e1794d0&pd_rd_w=IQUsg&pd_rd_wg=kWU0H&pf_rd_p=0e223c60-bcf8-4663-98f3-da892fbd4372&pf_rd_r=XVXA61YA4ZMJ5X9167FZ&qid=1585245905&sprefix=ozone%2B%2Caps%2C183&th=1


Big ozone unite for a bigger room (yellow): 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D8MC68M?ref=dacx_dp_5004668230701_1092339580101&aaxitk=NX1njsgPdmXRZUxhOE3IEA

This is the machine I own and use when I travel and in my treatment room, bedroom and bathroom:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0167VN7BY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Note: for larger rooms you have to run this a few times. When I was in China this past December, I had to run this machine about 4 x 30-min times in my hotel room over 48 hrs to get rid of all the funky hotel room smell. I did not get sick while in China, but I also was not located in a Covid-19 hotspot.


For international travel with this machine, you will also need a power converter + adapter, ideally this is all in one.


Special note on safety of ozone: 
Always treat ozone with respect and only use away from children and pets and take care with your own lungs. This is not a toy and if not used properly can be dangerous, similar to the fact you would not leave an open bottle of aspirin out for your child or pet to get into. Make sure to aerate well after use in any room treated with ozone for at least an hour or longer with a more powerful machine. Only buy a ozone generating machine on a timer so you do not need to go into a room while it is on. If you can smell the ozone, be mindful a little ozone can be irritating to the lungs and a lot of ozone is caustic and burns the lungs. Ozone has a distinct smell that is hard to forget. It’s naturally created during rain storms where lighting and thunder are present.

Ozone is not stable once created and begins to quickly break down to breathable oxygen over a period of 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the strength of the machine and how much ozone was created + size of room.  This is one reason I like my tiny portable machine as I know it’s relatively safe as it can’t create too much ozone but seems to do the job. Again not many studies are out there on ozone but I believe using an ozone machine in hospital settings and on plains could be highly beneficial in potentially slowing the spread of the Covid-19 virus.


Zinc:
Below is a link to a good article on zinc. There are several forms of zinc. Zinc picolinate is considered the best, most absorbable form of zinc. It may also cause the least amount of stomach upset. Zinc Gluconate found in most lozenges is also good, just slightly less absorbable than zinc picolinate, but usually more affordable. Make sure the lozenges has about 80-92 mg of zinc in it to be effective. Taking zinc early on can help slow the proliferation in the body of the virus and lesson the duration of flu including Covid-19.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/zinc-supplements#benefits


Elderberry:
It doesn’t seem to reduce the chances of getting sick but it does seem to reduce the duration and severity of the flu. It is best used as prevention and it is one of the few natural remedies we have that can help combat viral infections. It is best used when taken early (within first 48 hours of a symptoms) or as prevention. It also has other benefits and unlike oregano oil, most people find it has a pleasant taste.
Here is a good article with more information, dosing, and possible drug interactions on Elderberry:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/elderberry-for-colds-and-flu-can-it-help-89559


Essential oil guide for respiratory health:
I have a oil diffuser and have several essential oils I almost always keep on hand. The below article has good recommendations on several potentially useful oils for respiratory health. for example cinnamon oil may help shorter or lesson the duration of a cough and peppermint oil may help ease breathing difficulty and sore throat.
https://pathwayswellnessprogram.com/essential-oils-for-respiratory-health/


Oregano oil maybe helpful for upper respiratory type flus.
To read more click below but do not use if pregnant: 
https://www.healthline.com/health/oregano-oil-for-cold#methods


Other oils shown to have anti-viral compounds (Bergamot, eucalyptus, red thyme, cinnamon leaf):
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321401#how-to-use


A study on oregano oil when taken orally for certain digestive parasite strains + dosages: 
There is little additional research on humans in regards to oregano oil but research done on mice and the oil. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10815019/


Article on oregano and possible drug interactions:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/oregano-oil-health-benefits-89490


A little more on oil of oregano:

Again, very little human research has been done on oregano oil but it maybe worth a try especially at the early stages or as prevention. Remember oregano oil is very strong and a little goes a long way. Too much can be irritating to the skin and lungs and be aware some people maybe allergic to this herb and it's oil. Proceed with caution and care. Try it out first while you are healthy to make sure no adverse reactions and remember if you try any of these suggestions, you do so at your own risk and accept full responsibility.
https://naturallysavvy.com/restore/why-you-need-oil-of-oregano-for-cold-and-flu-season/



Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):
Taking baking soda supplements may help lesson the duration and intensity of the coronavirus if you suspect you have contracted it by quickly dropping the bodies pH (acidity level). Viruses, including Covid-19 do not thrive in an alkaline environment and this could give the body a chance to get the upper hand in staying well. Remember the body needs a certain pH to function well but over a short period of time, most people will tolerate an increase in body alkalinity induced with sodium bicarbonate. There are possible side effects (you can read more below), though, so it’s important to not take too much for an extended period of time. Please note if you choose to try baking soda you proceed at your own risk.
Below is a study done on athletes using it to reduce recovery time by reducing lactic acid build up, along with dosing that is known to be safe in the exercise world. If I were to take sodium bicarbonate this is where I would start. I was not able to find a medical article on using sodium bicarbonate for dealing with possible flu. However scientist do know the virus does better in a more acid environment. This method could be worth a try as our hospitals continue to be over crowded. Again early detection and fast action is vital. Read this article to find out more on baking soda’s use and dosages.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baking-soda-and-performance#section5

This article details the possible side effects to using baking soda internally:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/sodium-bicarbonate-side-effects.html




Stanford notes on possible early self detection of the Coronavirus and it’s prevention of getting into the lungs: 
"Prevention of the virus getting into the lungs is vital and actually might be easier than we think if we stay well hydrated.
“The new Coronavirus may not show sign of infection for many days. How can you know if you are infected? By the time you have fever and/or cough and go to the hospital, the lung is usually 50% fibrosis. Taiwan experts provide a simple self-check that we can do every morning: Take a deep breath and hold it for more than 10 seconds. If you do this successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stiffness or tightness, there is no fibrosis in the lungs; it basically indicates no infection. In critical times, please self-check every morning in an environment with clean air. 
Serious excellent advice by Japanese doctors treating COVID-19 cases: Everyone should ensure your mouth & throat are moist, never dry. Take a few sips of water every 15 minutes at least. Why? Even if the virus gets into your mouth, drinking water or other liquids will wash them down through your throat and into the stomach. Once there, your stomach acid will kill all the virus. If you don't drink enough water regularly, the virus can enter your windpipe and then the lungs. That's very dangerous.”


So even if you are exposed to Covid-19, if you are fast to take action and drink and gargle regularly with warm water, ideally with a little acid added such as lemon juice or vinegar, you may prevent the virus from spreading to your lungs. If the virus spreads to your lungs this is where the real danger begins. The virus is fast acting so taking action quickly is important.


Monitor the room humidity with a hygrometer (a super cheap device):
Below is a link to a very interesting study on preschool children, some of the most at risk of catching germs and passing those germs around. This study shows that when relative humidity is kept at between 40%–60% viral infections or the absenteeism (missing of school days) of those getting sick went down by more than 2/3 as compared to the control. This is because the intensity and severity of infection generally goes up the more dry an environment is due to how moist mucous membranes in our body help to keep us well and the nature of a virus in a dry environment. 


If us humans dry out (we are at least 70% water) we are more susceptible to viral infections of any kind, especially those already going around and very contagious. This may not be as much an issue in the warmer months coming up here in the Northern Hemisphere but certainly something to keep in mind as we move back into winter or those living in a hemisphere already moving into winter that has good heating measures in place.

I bought my hygrometer for about $5 on Amazon. Nothing fancy is needed.


Read more below on the humidity and pre-schooler study:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/leahbinder/2019/10/17/harvard-researcher-says-this-inexpensive-action-will-lower-hospital-infection-rates-and-protect-us-for-the-flu-season/?fbclid=IwAR338USvWSlVgcg6djcIKhQVY1BZi_sVgnoUs7_EKyX37WWKj__4gNN6aZI#285957791824


Vietnam Corona virus public awareness video:
Because an occasional dose of levity is good medicine during times of stress. In Vietnam they did an excellent job creating this catchy public out reach song and video to remind people to wash their hands and not touch their face. Maybe try this with your children to get them on board or watch for your own amusement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k520bb6zbcU


I hope you find this newsletter helpful and perhaps comforting. Please feel free to share it with friends and also to share if you decide to try any of the suggestions. 


Wishing everyone wellness and ease!


Warmly,
Elizabeth

Dear Clients and Friends,

I’m afraid it’s been nearly a full year since last I sent out a newsletter. So much has happened so fast, the time has flown by, and here we are fresh into 2020. What I’d like to express most is my sincere appreciation for each and every one of you for having chosen to work with me at some point whether a private session, attending a public talk/workshop, or you just wanted to hear more. The people I am able to help or assist in some way fuel my passion to serve. Your support continues to inspire me to keep expanding, growing, and sharing more! 


I’d also like to say thank you for your patience as I re-orient to life and living. I’m hoping this new year leads to more workshops, more speaking opportunities, and seeing more people whether established clients or meeting new humans. THANK YOU!


This newsletter is a snap shot reflection of 2019 and my growing interest, due in part to personal events/situations, into the realm of human trauma release work. The more I learn about trauma, the nervous system, and the brain, the more I appreciate just how important this work is. I’ve come to appreciate nervous system health is every bit as important as appropriate exercise, right nutrition, and getting enough quality sleep. Sometimes work around trauma is the precursor to good sleep!


Moving from New Zealand to Australia was a slightly tougher transition than expected, end of 2018 into early 2019. I feel the majority of people in this world don’t really understand the impact of international moves as the majority of people in this world never leave their home country, let alone their home town, even those with a choice. Moving locally is plenty hard enough!


From early 2018 into much of 2019, I experienced some of the most incredible insomnia of my life. The insomnia was not just an occasional day here and there, but days on end, going for weeks and sometimes months of poor to little sleep. Add to this the trauma of being molested twice unexpectedly by two different known people, some serious health challenges by a close family member, plus plenty of other things in-between, and it’s all been a bit much. Every cell of my being reached a place of saying no more, and communicated that ‘no more’ to me partly through the insomnia. Every person is individual and stress will effect each person differently, however, for me, as I’m sure there are many others out there, my stress showed up in my inability to sleep properly no matter how tired I felt or should have been or what supplements I took.


During this time, I was faced with possible burn out or worse, so I chose to take a time out in the USA with family to regroup. I feel very blessed to be fortunate enough to be able to do this. This is the same advice, I’d give to anyone, be they a friend, client, or stranger. That advice specifically is to take the time and put in the effort to develop a healthy enough relationship with one’s own body, that he, she, them/they, other, can hear and respond to the subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) queue’s when something is off. This skill, though often not valued by our fast paced Western, ‘developed’ society, is vital to living a well life. We are after all in a body, and through the years my body and those of my 100’s of clients, have all subtly taught me the power and wisdom residing in the body. Amazing! 


Molestation & Trauma and Why Trauma Release Work is Important:

Now let’s talk about the molestation that occurred at the beginning of 2018. This relates deeply to the importance of trauma release work. For the second molestation, a second email will be used (part II) for that later. 


The irony of the molestation that occurred beginning of 2018 is that it occurred while I was in a room with highly trained self defense and combat artist, some of which having several black belts in some martial arts or another. Now that I reflect on this incident, there were at least13 total combined black belts in that space. Not 13 people with a black belt each, but people with their combined black belts totally about 13 total black belts…I feel like this could be the start of some dark martial arts comedy opening scene, seriously! 

Yet, in this space, one that theoretically, probably statistically too, should have been one of the safest spaces one could be in, I was molested. For the record, the man that molested me had no martial arts training so did not have a black belt in marital arts. Also it was another man, one with a black belt or two, that eventually caught my body language shift and upon looking up saw something was wrong. It was his asking “what’s going on here?” that prompted the man in the act of fondling my thigh to remove his hand. 

Here’s a little personal back story about me that illustrates the importance of trauma work. Prior to this incident, I’ve had unfortunately a collection of more #metoos than I can count. Usually these incidents have been gropes and inappropriate pinches, or rude/grotesque comments over the years. A few incidents have involved being corned, solicited, chased, and once finding myself surrounded by a dangerous youth gang while in Brazil. In case you are curious, during the Brazil gang incident, a human angel showed up last minute and defused the situation quickly. Thus, over the years I have had serious cause to study martial arts myself as I know what it’s like to feel, I may die today… 


The incident of 2018 was the first time I’d been molested post my serious self defense/combat arts training. I had always assumed that since starting training and having trained for several years up to that point, I would ‘know’ how to defend myself and would react appropriately. However the truth was when that man, a non martial arts guest and colleague of another man there, put his hand intentionally on my thigh, I went into a shock and freeze state. The molester decided my total body freeze and lack of breathing was a queue I wanted him to keep going, so he slowly creeped his hand up my thigh. It was a confusing and disorienting experience, one that filled me with disgust, fear, and anger. I wasn’t just angry at this man for violating my trust, I was also angry and disgusted with myself, that after all these years of study, training, and testing, in this moment, when it really counted, I couldn’t move or speak up. I’m sure I would have come back to my body with enough time, but in that moment and the seconds that followed, time slowed and there wasn’t much I could do. So what was happening in my body and nervous system that caused this system lock up?


It wasn’t until I brought this incident up with my master emotional healer friend, Elicia Miller, of Core Emotional Healing, I just happened to be working with at the time, that I began to unravel what happened. It was my work with her that helped me begin to take the action steps to prevent anything like that from happening again. Elicia educated me that when there exists previous un-dealt with trauma history in the body, it’s nearly impossible to have a healthy reaction when new incidents pop up. It’s as if the best we can do in the moment is react from the previous back log of stuck energy, from what ever had happened in the past.  For me that was freeze. Slowly, with the help of Elicia Miller, a few other loving humans, and my own steady consistency, I began to address and unravel the trauma of my past along with the new trauma that had just arrived. 


Then early in 2019, I was molested again, by a male client whom I had already been working with over several weeks. Though, I still had a partial freeze response-I felt a little slow and sluggish, I was still able to divert this client's hand, step away, and clearly state, "this isn’t that kind of massage". In retrospect I wish I had fired this client on the spot. There were other issues with him, little red flags before and after the incident. I’ll dive deeper into the deeper illumination of that experience in part II of the next newsletter.

To date, I’m slowly starting to sleep better and feeling much more confident that I’ll have a healthier response to any future incidents if and when they occur. This year, I've promised myself the next person to try and touch me inappropriately will find his or her face and most likely their body too on the ground and/or I’ll make such a vocal fuss this person will wish they hadn’t even had the thought. I feel NOW I can finally trust my training and instincts. 

USA Treatments & International Consultations:
For the time being, I will remain in the USA most likely through the USA summer of 2020. For those interested in body treatments but are too far away, I still offer phone coaching and consultations, via WhatsApp, WeeChat, or Facebook Messenger. You can find out more about those offerings here. Though a phone consultation may not seem as beneficial as actual hands on, there is still much that can be shared and imparted when one is dealing with some wellness issue.


Private hands on one-on-one sessions in the USA are mainly conducted in either Marietta or Toccoa, Georgia. We have a resident Corgi on the property to great everyone, named Presto, especially at the Marietta location. You may call or text my USA mobile 470-272-3247 to schedule an appointment.


So for now, here’s to a fabulous, healthy, and trauma free 2020! 


With love and gratitude,


Elizabeth 

I’ve been teaching women and men to steam their pelvic flours since 2015. The art and wellness practice its-self is several 100’s if not 1000’s of years old and seems to be mainly a woman’s business practice but men can certainly steam. It’s an ancient practice that would have been passed down orally from woman to woman, as it was about woman’s private parts and personal wellness. For myself steaming has become a part of life and not something I would want to live without. It helps me sleep and relax when feeling overwhelmed and stressed and yes, I do believe it aids my menstrual health. 

Though none of the below wellness claims are scientifically proven yet, steaming is used by clinicians (Arvigo Therapy® practitioners to name a few) and ancient practice healers around the world. Here is a short list of what vaginal steaming is considered helpful for:

1. Easing menstrual cramps - must be used only when not bleeding.
2. Keeps the pelvic organs and floor up - can be used as a preventative to prolapse.
3. Psychic clearing of sexual and relationship trauma.
4. Bringing warmth and better blood flow to the pelvic area - which is believed to help with fertility and general pelvic floor care.
5. Preventative for chronic yeast and other pelvic infections -  be mindful to not steam with an active infection.
6. A wonderful self-care / self-nurturing practice.

Here is a short video on how to set up a steam chair for personal use only: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnNjuLcT_w8&feature=youtu.be

In New Zealand, I’ve presented on pelvic steaming at the Luminate Festival, Prana (no longer happening) and as private clinic workshops in and around Wellington, City. I’ve also presented on pelvic steaming in the United States and in Australia. 

If you’d like to know more about how to set up a steam, safety, a list of safe plants and herbs to use, and when you might steam, you can order my ebook here on sale until the end of April to celebrate this ebook launch!