aromatherapy | Mind and Body Method

6 Tips to Naturally Boost Your Immune System

Laurie Ratto — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 03:49:12 +0000

Cold and flu season is approaching, so here are some tips on how to assist your body in keeping you healthy. These tips are simple, effective and low to no cost! You may be familiar with some suggestions, but a reminder never hurts!

Reduce stress When you are stressed, your body produces elevated levels of adrenalin and cortisol, suppressing your immune system. Break the stress cycle by doing something that relaxes you every day, even for only 15 minutes. Some possibilities are meditation, listening to relaxing music, going for a walk and being in the present moment, and doing yoga. Click here for a 5-minute breath meditation.
Aromatherapy There are many essential oils with antibacterial and antiviral properties that can enhance your immune system and support your respiratory system. Young children and adults can benefit as long as you properly dilute them and adhere to any precautions. A partial list of oils with antiviral/antibacterial properties: All citrus oils, Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Respiratory support oils: All Eucalyptus oils, ravintsara, green myrtle. You can inhale any of them 2-4 times a day directly from the bottle, or place 5 – 6 drops on a tissue or cotton ball, put it in a plastic bag and take it with you. You can also diffuse 1 or more of the above oils. If you are new to aromatherapy, start by diffusing for 30-60 minutes twice a day. Later you can diffuse up to 4 hours at a time. Another option is to apply the oils topically in a 3% dilution for adults (13 drops of essential oil in 15 ml of carrier oil) to the neck and wrists 1-2 times a day. It is better to alternate oils after 3-4 weeks to prevent sensitization and cover a variety of bacteria and viruses. I use the mildest oils on children ages 2-12 at a 1.5% dilution.

Keep your individual energy field open and flowing. Several energy medicine scientists and practitioners, such as Rosalyn Bruyere, Shamini Jain, and Barbara Brennen, found that human energy field disturbances occur before symptoms or dis-ease appear. Receiving a healing touch session at least monthly and/or performing the self- chakra connection one or more times a week on yourself can assist in keeping your energy field opened and balanced. Healing touch decreases stress, anxiety, and promotes relaxation and can even help you sleep better at night!

Get adequate sleep. Sleep is when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. Research tells us that 7-9 hours is optimal for most people. If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, it could affect your immune system. If you are experiencing sleeping issues, I have many options for assisting you in getting a good night’s sleep.

Exercise/movement because it helps your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system plays a vital role in the immune system; it produces white blood cells and removes toxins and debris from your cells. However, unlike blood, the lymphatic fluid is not pumped but squeezed through the vessels when we use our muscles. You don’t have to do an intense workout; just walking, dancing, yoga, or other activity for 15 minutes helps keep this system functioning at its best.

Eat specific foods that help your immune system. I discovered an excellent book, Eat to Beat Disease: The new science of how your body can heal itself, by William Li, MD. This physician and researcher started by looking at how drugs helped the body heal and then started looking at foods with the same components. The technique is very easy to do. There is a list of over 200 foods. Each food is placed in 1 or more of 5 categories based on its properties. You need to eat a food from each of the 5 groups daily. Sometimes I eat 3 or 4 in 1 meal; other times, it is 1 or 2 per meal.

You can choose to do 1 or all 6 of the above suggestions; it is up to you. Please share this with others whom you feel could benefit I hope you stay healthy in mind, body and spirit! Please be aware that these tips help your immune system and are not meant to be a substitute for medical care or vaccinations.

If you would like to have a conversation about any of these or schedule a session, please contact me at la****@***************od.com or click here and complete the form on my website.

Energetic Tips for a great 2022

Laurie Ratto — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 22:27:19 +0000

Happy New Year! I and many others hope that this year will be better than last year on many fronts. The pandemic, chaos, divisiveness of 2021 caused massive uncertainty and produced anxiety and stress throughout the US. While these issues will not go away easily or quickly there are energetic techniques you can do for yourself to help make 2022 feel more peaceful, joyful, and stable. Remember when your energy system is open, flowing and balanced your vibration is high and that promotes health and well-being in your body, mind and Spirit. This allows you to maintain a strong immune system, think clearly, and face challenges with compassion and calmness and discover the best resolution. It also helps those around you if their vibration is low.

Below are various methods that support your energy system in different ways. Read all of them, find the one(s) that appeal to you and give it a try. You have nothing to lose and much to gain!

Keep positive thoughts and practice gratitude

Your thoughts affect your energy system as well as you mental and physical well-being. This does not mean you should never feel sad, angry or stressed, we all have those feelings sometimes however finding something positive in a bad situation and expressing gratitude for the good things in your life supports your energy system and mental processes. Positive affirmations are wonderful at cultivating positive thoughts.

Gratitude can be for things large or small. You can be grateful for a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, finding a parking spot fast, avoiding a car accident, getting a new job, reconnecting with an old friend, and the list goes on.

For example, when I was diagnosed with cancer I was shocked and anxious at first. Then I was grateful that it was discovered early and very treatable. My thoughts focused on a successful surgery and fast recovery. I spent some time reflecting on what was really important to me and refocused my energies on those areas where as before I was being pulled in many directions. I was also grateful for all the support of my family and friends before, during and after surgery.

Healing touch to keep your energy field open and balanced

Changes show up in your energy field before you develop physical symptoms or dis-ease. Energy can become congested for many reasons: emotions such as fear or anger, bodily injury, traumatic events. Over time even small things like being stuck in traffic on a daily basis or listening to too much news can adversely affect your personal energy system.

The Healing Touch Level 1 class teaches some self-care techniques you can do to open and clear any congestion such as the self-chakra connection. I work on myself regularly, however, I find receiving a session from another person at least monthly to be very beneficial. So I encourage you to reach out to classmates and set up an exchange.

If you haven’t taken a class or just want to receive a session from a practitioner I would be honored to work with you. Now through Feb 4^th I am offering a 20% off ($112 regularly $140) for a 1 hour 15 minute session because I want everyone to start 2022 with good vibrations! With the COVID surge all of my sessions are virtual. Click here to schedule a session. Contact me by phone or email if you need an evening or weekend appointment.

Aromatherapy

Are you aware every essential oil has its own vibrational frequency and that by inhaling or applying it topically you can raise your vibration? A healthy human vibrates at 62-78 MHZ, at 58 or below illness or dis-ease can occur. Essential oils range from 52 – 320 MHZ. With a client’s consent, I use essential oils in my healing touch sessions because it raises both our vibrations which allows me to clear and balance the field easier.

Rose has the highest frequency at 320 MHZ and is one of the most expensive oils. Lavender (105 MHZ) and Roman chamomile (118 MHZ) are very helpful in relieving both anxiety and stress. Lemon, jasmine and ylang ylang assist in alleviating stress. Bergamot, geranium and mandarin (especially good for children) help decrease anxiety.

If you want to discover what specific oils your body and energy field are craving schedule a free 30 minute consultation.

Guided Imagery

You may already know that imagery can help you heal your body, improve your mood and reach your goals but did you know it can help improve energy flow? If you feel like you’re “stuck” in an emotion or that your energy isn’t flowing well take a few minutes to try this.

Get into a comfortable position sitting or lying down. Take 3 deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Now do an internal scan and determine where you feel this emotion or where your energy is congested. Is it in your gut, heart, arm, head or somewhere else? What is the sensation attached to this area of congestion – tightness, thickness, solid like a brick or something else?

Now allow an image to form in your mind’s eye that can help break-up the congestion. Perhaps a ball of light, a colored substance, an animal or little folks with pick axes. Whatever pops into your mind go with it. What does this image look like? Does it feel welcoming, fierce, supportive, strong, calming or something else? Is it making any sound or does it have a scent associated with it? Ask it to help you remove the congestion and allow it to answer you in some way.

Now imagine the image is removing the congestion in whatever way it wants. For example a light may change colors and push through the congestion or suck it up, an animal may chase it away or eat it and folks with the axes can chip away at it. Whatever method the image uses is perfect for you. After a few minutes or when the congestion is cleared, bring your attention back into that area and notice how you feel. Is the tightness less or resolved, perhaps the brick is gone or the feeling of thickness has dissolved.

If the energy does not feel like it is fully flowing ask the image what you can do to help fully resolve it. Allow it to answer you in some form. Then thank the helpful image for coming and the work it did. Now allow the image to fade, wiggle your toes and fingers and come back to this time and space.

I hope this has given you some new ideas or rekindled old ones that help you in 2022 and beyond. Remember everything is energy so let’s use it to our advantage!

If you have any questions please contact me via email: la****@***************od.com

Quickly Ease Anxiety & Stress With Aromatherapy

Laurie Ratto — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 22:42:00 +0000

Today anxiety and stress are rampant. Between COVID, social & climate issues, and economic concerns it can be challenging to manage our emotions and stop the fight- or- flight response. However, research suggests that aromatherapy can have a profound effect on your mind and emotions. It can assist you in shifting from fight-or-flight into a calmer, more relaxed state within minutes! Remember prolonged anxiety and stress weaken your immune system, cause trouble sleeping, and contribute to other health issues. So let’s explore how essential oils work on your emotional state. Then I will share a few oils that can assist you in tapping into your calmer, more serene self.

Emotional learning and memory take place in the amygdala which is part of the limbic system in your brain. The limbic system has a direct effect on various chemicals for example cortisol & adrenalin as well as hormones in your body. When you inhale an aroma it travels by way of the olfactory nerve pathways directly into the limbic system and amygdala. This immediately evokes memories and emotions before you are consciously aware of them. It totally bypasses your cerebrum which is your conscious thought center in the brain. Where smells are concerned we react first and think later. So inhaling a pleasant aroma can help you shift your mood in just 1-2 minutes!!

For example, have you ever walked into a shopping mall, smelled fresh cookies baking, and immediately had memories of you and a family member baking together accompanied by a sense of love or warm fuzzy feeling? That is because it is imprinted in your amygdala. I have always loved gardening and keep a few aromatic plants in my yard. Gardening calms me and helps me to feel grounded and centered. When I smell a floral oil such as ylang ylang, jasmine, or rose I feel my body starting to relax and my distress starts melting away. Now I’m not saying all your anxiety or stress magically disappear but it will take the edge off, break the fight-or-flight response and enable you to think more clearly

All you have to do is take 3-4 deep inhalations directly from the bottle whenever you feel anxious or stressed. You can also put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue, place in a plastic bag to take with you and use throughout your day. Another option is to diffuse it in a room with an ultrasonic diffuser.

Below are just a few oils that are calming to the nervous system which helps in alleviating anxiety and stress. Remember your emotional response to any oil depends upon your unique life experiences and chemistry.

Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia* Marjoram – Origanum majorana

Mandarin – Citrus reticulate* Roman Chamomile – Anthemis nobilis*

Rose – Rosa damascene Ylang Ylang – Cananga dorata

Frankincense – Boswelia carteri

* I recommend these oils for children because they are very mild and children usually love their aromas. They are very effective for adults too.

If you would like to find the specific oils your body wants to ease anxiety and/or stress contact me for an aromatherapy session. Not sure this is for you? Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Laurie.

Integrative Therapies Help Those going through Chemo/Radiation Therapy

Laurie Ratto — Tue, 02 Jul 2019 20:40:19 +0000

I have worked with cancer patients for many years and I have come to know this:

The chemo and radiation therapies can have major side effects that adversely and dramatically impact their quality of life. Most clients are scared, stressed and suffer from side effects such as fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, neuropathy, radiation burns.
Adding one or more types of integrative therapies helps to break that stress response, allows them to relax and stop the mind chatter. This alone helps with healing the body, mind, and spirit. Taking time to be quiet and receive someone’s full attention in a compassionate manner also raises spirits.

Healing Touch helps to open, balance and clear the energetic field of toxins, trauma, and fear.

It allows them to deeply relax so they get out of their head and ground to Mother Earth in order to feel more stable and calmer. I have found the first chakra is almost always comprised. After all the root (1^st) chakra relates to overall health, survival, being connected to the earth, belonging to a community and the adrenal glands (stress response).

Breaking that stress cycle is crucial to healing and several healing touch techniques allow clients to relax and rejuvenate. After a session, the root chakra is usually open and flowing again. Clients say they feel deeply relaxed, have mental clarity and grateful to have taken time to address their well-being.

Frequently I will do imagery and help them find their safe, relaxing place which they can visit during chemotherapy to help pass the time and stop the stress response.

Another technique I like to use is having people envision the chemo going in and transforming the cancer cells into something else. People are very creative.

One person saw it as a Pac man game with the chemo gobbling up the cancer cells.
Another imagined it as cancer being a robber and the chemo was the police coming to subdue it and take it away.
Another image was that of the cancer transforming from a vicious werewolf into a compassionate, loving dog. As you can see everyone’s imagination is very different!

Both of these therapies help clients to cope with the anxiety and physical side effects of the treatments. They say they feel less fearful and more at peace. Many experienced significantly fewer or no side effects after their cancer treatments.

Aromatherapy is also very useful for side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Let’s look at just a few:

Lavender diluted in coconut oil or Vitamin E cream helps to soothe skin burns as well as Helichrysum (Everlasting).
Smelling ginger, peppermint or lemon can help in relieving nausea/vomiting related to chemotherapy.

Many people require less medication when also incorporating essential oils into their care regimen. In addition, all of the oils also have antibacterial properties to help keep the immune system strong. Lemon and peppermint are also very uplifting and assist in preventing/alleviating depression.

Bottom line is all of these therapies improve the quality of life for anyone going through cancer treatments. If you or a loved one is going through cancer treatment I encourage you to seek out integrative therapies, find what therapy resonates with you and use it to support yourself through this difficult time.

Please share this with anyone you feel could benefit from integrative care and anyone with an interest in learning more about integrative therapies. Thank you.

Ceaser

Numerous Benefits of Marjoram Essential Oil

Laurie Ratto — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 00:59:35 +0000

Origanum majorana (sweet marjoram) is one of my favorite oils and several hospitals also use it because it is addresses several issues that frequently occur together. For example it can alleviate physical pain and help you relax and sleep better.

It is wonderful to help soothe muscle aches and joint pain. If you have over done it in the garden or exercising this is very soothing. It has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. Sweet marjoram also helps with pain related to arthritis/rheumatism, osteoporosis and can ease muscle cramps. It works well in a 5% solution of a carrier oil or lotion. I suggest start by applying it 2 – 3 times a day to any painful areas. Inhalation alone can also be effective. Some hospitals give patient’s personal inhalers to use at the bedside to ease pain. This is done in addition to any pain medications that you or a patient are taking. The oil can improve pain relieve by intensifying pain relief and help it to last longer resulting in less medication. I call that a win-win!

I don’t know about you but when I hurt I can get irritable, crabby and not sleep well. This oil also has a relaxing, tranquilizing effect which can decrease agitation, irritability and promotes sleep. One oil can do both! If you wish to use it only for relaxation diffusing it or simple inhalation is also very effective.

This oil also helps with digestive issues such as heartburn, colitis and diarrhea caused by nerves. Apply it to the abdomen or mid to lower chest area (depending upon the condition) as needed. Dilute the same as above and apply topically.

This versatile oil may be used to help slow healing bedsores and other wounds. It has many antibacterial and antiviral properties. Studies have been done to determine some specific organisms it is effective against. It is best to work with an aromatherapist who is able to work with your doctor in this case. Knowing what organism is present determines if marjoram is appropriate or not. Also application methods vary so working with a professional, such as myself, is advised.

I hope you will add this great oil to your collection! If you have any questions about aromatherapy I would be happy to talk with you, click here to contact me.

Do you think holistic therapies improve your patient care?

Laurie Ratto — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 23:46:57 +0000

Medications alone don’t always relieve pain or anxiety in patients. Complementary or holistic therapies improve outcomes by helping to alleviate pain, decrease stress, anxiety and more! The patient’s feel “cared for” when someone gives them undivided attention even if it is just for 5 minutes. California’s healthcare facilities are not very progressive when it comes to integrating holistic therapies (also referred to as integrative medicine). The mid-west and east coast have several successful programs in place. A large health care system in MN and WIS has an integrative medicine team and offers 5 different therapies to patients in the hospital plus a network of outpatient clinics. Therapies offered to hospitalized patients are acupuncture, acupressure, healing touch, aromatherapy and music therapy. The hospitals are seeing a cost savings because patients use less pain medication, sometimes go home sooner and are happier with their care and experience. Allina health care system states they save $2000 per patient since implementing integrative medicine. Here the hospitals have very little and most are volunteer programs.

What are California facilities waiting for? Why are many physicians so resistant? Perhaps they think they will be considered to woo-woo or unprofessional if they endorse holistic therapies. I don’t have the answers to these questions but I do know there is mounting evidence that the therapies are effective even if we cannot completely explain how they work. The therapies that I use – healing touch, aromatherapy and guided imagery – actually fall under the scope of care for nurses as long as they have the proper training. When I worked in the ER and started using healing touch (a form of energy medicine) on staff and patients the MDs were skeptical to say the least. Once they saw the positive results they started to ask me for treatments on their headaches and to help calm patients down. These therapies do not replace medications; patients do not have to choose between them. They work together to help patients feel better faster and for a longer period of time. Hence the term integrative medicine.

One study entitled, The Effectiveness of nurse-delivered aromatherapy in an acute care setting, by Jill R. Johnson et al, had over 10,000 documented aromatherapy sessions. The study concluded that inhaling the appropriate essential oil generally resulted in significant improvements in pain, anxiety and nausea in patients. Other smaller studies have demonstrated oils diffused in nursing stations help boost staff morale, efficiency and accuracy. This is what administration wants in facilities: improved patient care and satisfaction plus staff efficiency and satisfaction.

Numerous quantitative and qualitative research studies support the use of healing touch for pain management, improved sleep, management of side effects from chemotherapy and more!

There is some financial outlay in the beginning; setting up a program, training staff etc. but it is returned within a reasonable amount of time. What is California waiting for? If you are a health care professional or caregiver and want to learn more I teach classes in aromatherapy and healing touch. If you are a health care facility I can guide you in implementing holistic therapies and programs. Contact me with questions or for more information.

As an energy worker, I believe there should be some sort of exchange between people so this content is not for free. If you found it valuable, in exchange for payment, I ask that you do one or all of the following: 1) Share it with at least 2 people on Facebook, via email or any social media of your choice. 2) Answer the question or leave a comment.

Laurie Ratto, RN, Speaker, HTCP, CCA has 30+ years’ experience helping people to heal from physical, mental , and emotional pain. She provides 1:1 services and various classes to assist caregivers and health care providers in helping others and themselves. Laurie Ratto specializes in integrative medicine, as a holistic healer, she keeps her RN certification current because she understands the power of balance as we heal.

Powerful Oils can Promote Mental Concentration and Enhance Memory

Laurie Ratto — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 15:00:08 +0000

You’re working on a project and you lose your concentration, essential oils can promote mental concentration and enhance memory safely. I frequently use oils while doing research or writing materials so I can stay alert and focused. My 2 favorites are peppermint and a blend called Clarity but there are others to choose from.

A study at the University of Cincinnati by Dr. William Dember found that inhaling peppermint oil increased mental accuracy by 28%. My daughter also used this oil while studying for exams when she was in college. I prefer to place 1 drop on my tongue then push my tongue against the roof of my mouth. This really wakes me up, clears my sinuses and helps me to focus. My daughter inhaled it from the bottle and placed a drop or two on her wrists or neck. She did not need to use those energy drinks that are so bad for you.

Clarity is a blend of 12 different oils that are stimulating and uplifting to the mind and body. I use this when I want something a little more subtle then the strong menthol effect. It helps me to stay on task and focus. I have even come up with new insights after applying the oil!

There are many other potential oils that can also help. When I work with clients I determine the best oil(s) for their body and give them detailed instructions on ways to use, methods of application and any precautions. If you are interested I would love to talk with you.

Several small studies have found rosemary to enhance cognition and uplift your mood. I recommend trying it! Other oils that are helpful are:

Cardamom
Basil
Peppermint
Black pepper
Lemon

All of these oils can be diluted 1 part carrier oil to one part essential oil and apply 2-3 drops to the back of the neck, temples, or mastoid bones (behind the ear) several times a day. They can be directly inhaled from the bottle 2 – 6 times a day or place a few drops on a cotton ball and pin to the person’s clothing around the collar area. Questions? Contact me for more information.

Laurie Ratto, RN, Speaker, HTCP, CCA has 30+ years’ experience helping people to heal from physical, mental , and emotional pain. She provides a safe, nurturing space for women to release fears and self-doubt, what spiritually ties us to pain. Laurie Ratto specializes in complementary medicine, as a holistic healer, she keeps her RN certification current because she understands the power of balance as we heal.

Ease Fear and Stay Grounded with Essential Oil Blend of Sacred Mountain

Laurie Ratto — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 15:00:11 +0000

Sacred Mountain can help ease fear and keep you grounded. This is one of my favorite oils. This blend has 3 different tree oils in it so it is very grounding and centering. It also contains ylang ylang which is calming and uplifting to the spirit.

I have used this oil before speaking engagements to stay calm and grounded. I apply it to my wrists and neck when I feel uneasy and it helps me to feel safe and empowered. I also wear it as perfume sometimes and I’ve received many compliments from men about the nice aroma.

I remember when I was just starting my business I signed up for classes to learn more about how to run a business, talk with clients and how to be a speaker. There were about 40 – 50 people in the group. This was way out of my comfort zone. I could care for sick people but standing up and talking about myself to people I barely knew was scary. Sometimes I just wanted to hide. However once I put on the oil I felt uplifted within minutes.

Other times there was so much information I felt scattered and discouraged, like I could never learn all this stuff. Then I would apply the oil topically or inhale it several times from the bottle and feel calmer and open to receiving again. It helped me to ground myself and improve my focus.

Have you ever felt scared or discouraged about something occurring in your life?

Do you have days where you feel scattered and it’s hard to get things done?

I recommend you try this oil! Another option is to schedule an appointment and I can determine if this is THE BEST oil for your needs.

Powerful Oil Blend of Purification for Personal and Home Use

Laurie Ratto — Tue, 19 May 2015 21:18:51 +0000

The powerful oil blend of Purification is great for personal and home use. Here are a few examples:

Eliminates odors in the air such as fish, cigar or cigarette smoke, mildew
Cleanses and disinfects cuts and scrapes
Helpful in clearing up acne
Soothes and cleanses bug bites from mosquitoes, spiders, wasps and bees
Floor cleaner when mixed with white vinegar and water
Dishwashing soap when mixed with castile soap and water

This oil is a blend of citronella, lemongrass, lavandin, rosemary, tea tree and myrtle. Several of these oils have antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. This oil is part of my first aid kit, to learn about my kit click here.

If you love the outdoors but the bugs love you this oil is a “must have”. When we go to Hawaii the mosquitoes love me. I don’t like using the toxic bug repellents with DEET and other chemicals. After they feast on me I then develop large welts in a matter of minutes. This all changed after I learned about this oil.

We went into a garden area and I received several bites. When we returned the bites were very itchy and starting to swell. I applied Purification to each bite and the itch was better immediately. I had to reapply about every 5 minutes 3 – 4 times then every half hour a couple of times and the bites did not swell or become welts. I was able to sleep that night without waking up scratching. I reapplied the oil the next day a few times to be sure itching and swelling stayed away. The bites healed quickly and I looked normal instead of having big red welts on my legs and arms! Since then I have learned it also repels many insects.

One client diffused this oil in her home after a skunk sprayed underneath the house. She had tried other things to clear the air but nothing worked. She said after diffusing for a few hours it made the house livable again. She diffused purification for a few hours for several days and finally eliminated the smell.

Want to learn more about essential oils? Click here or t contact me directly.

Your Personal Care Products may be Causing Hormonal Imbalances

Laurie Ratto — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 16:00:28 +0000

Are you aware that your personal care products may be causing hormonal imbalances? That’s right many products you use every day may contain endocrine disruptors (chemicals that interfere with human hormones) that can contribute to moodiness, cancer, early or late puberty in children and developmental disorders. Do you really know what is in your body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste or anything you put on your skin?

When I was in my late 20’s I noticed an emotional pattern in myself of periodically “blowing up” at other family members for trivial things. I felt like I had to yell, scream or cry and get it out or I would explode. I lived with this pattern for close to 20 years.

The chemicals you put on your skin get absorbed quickly, in 30 seconds or less, and can cause harm before they reach your liver which is your filtering organ. Women use an average of 10 personal care products a day, men 4. So how many chemicals are you applying to your skin on a daily basis?

I learned about the dangers of these chemicals about 8 years ago and started really limiting my exposure. I also started practicing holistic therapies and within a year that emotional pattern disappeared. I still get angry and “blow-up” every once in a while but not for trivial things.

Here are my top 5 ingredients to avoid in personal care products:

Phthalates – linked to lung, liver and kidney cancer. May cause early puberty in girls and damage male reproductive system. BANNED in Europe.

Parabens – mimic natural estrogen. Propyl-, Butyl-, Isopropyl-, and Isobutyl- parabens specifically may cause reproductive and developmental disorders. Journal of Applied Toxicology found high amounts in breast cancer cell growth, may contribute to greatly increasing your risk of cancer.

Triclosan and Triclocarban – affects male and female reproductive hormones and thyroid function. Found in anti-bacterial hand gels. May contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria strains.

Fragrance – Companies are not required to list ingredients in their fragrance mixture (trade secret) so many contain phthalates and other hormone disruptors

BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisol) – Classified as probable human carcinogen and disrupts reproductive and thyroid hormone levels. Europe considers it unsafe in fragrance.

If you are experiencing irritability, moodiness or other emotional pain I can help in many ways.

First limit your exposure to the above ingredients as much as possible. Then work with me to clear the toxins from your system using aromatherapy and healing touch. You will also learn techniques to help take better care of yourself. Helping you feel happier, more stable and confident is my goal.