Mercury enters Taurus 5/13, and thoughts return to a strategic plan that we had once tried before, in order to reach desires. Sun squares Jupiter 06/16, and egos become harshly bruised. Someone tries to shatter our confidence. Watch out for angry words! Since December 2008, Saturn has been retrograde, placing frustrating obstacles in our path. He turns direct on 05/16. Blocks are diminished, and hurdles are no longer in our way. What we have struggled to build in our lives, is now ready to come our way - thanks to our persistence and willpower to succeed. We are capable of achieving the self-respect that we’ve been searching for. Note: Lack of effort and ignorance does not go unrewarded during this time. Sun squares Neptune 05/17, and our self-esteem and trust in our decisions could get side-swiped by confusion and doubt. We may feel pressured, and lash out prematurely. be sure to ask questions calmly, to get the facts straight. Sun enters Gemini 05/20, and life becomes more carefree, and our attitude lightens for the next four weeks. It’s high time for social adventures and for connecting with friends. Relationships bloom. Mercury sextiles Uranus 05/21, and we become overwhelmed with ideas and solutions. Brainstorming thoughts lead to success, especially great timing for advertising promotions, creative problem-solving, and bookkeeping. New Moon in Gemini 05/24, boosts our intentions to bond with others. Potential magic is unfolding, so concentrate on who we want to attract, why we want them in our lives, and what we hope to gain by their presence. By organizing our needs, we are able to prioritize our goals, while helping the Universe to understand what we are looking for!

On 05/26-05/27, Mars sextiles Jupiter and Neptune, and our pursuit for happiness and spiritual well-being is ours. Jupiter conjuncts Neptune, and some of us may experience an awakening or one of the ‘ah-ha’ moments. This energy could be life changing, and change our whole perspective of life. Pay attention to unusual signs, strangers who are drawn to us, and spend some time along with thoughts. Neptune goes retrograde 05/29, and sensitivities become hidden and withdrawn. It is important to get in touch with our intuitive nature and to trust our inner vision. When we’re ready to face reality, clarity will be available. Mercury turns direct 05/30, and our social dialogue begins to move in a better motion on 05/30. Last, we have Mars entering Taurus 05/31, and we begin to use our energy more wisely, instead of scattering ourselves into several directions and projects. We organize our priorities and ‘zero-in’ on specific desires that meet our needs. You can accomplish anything you want to - once you decide your goal! Powerful energy and triumph is waiting!

Enjoy your month, and remember to be true to yourself!

Starcana, aka Suzanne Dronzek, is a freelance horoscope writer, and an intuitive consultant with over twenty years of practice and wisdom in the metaphysical arts, spiritual astrology, and intellectual tarot. Private consultations are available for inner guidance, self-growth, and relationship compatibility. For information, call 724-832-9283, or visit: www.starcana.com

Last month, the Sun, and the New Moon entered energetic Aries, and this vibrant energy is still telling us to ‘do what we need to do’ to make our dreams happen! We’re confident, and we are ready to take on the competition. Pluto retrogrades on 4/4, and there’s a good chance that we will begin to second-guess ourselves and some of the choices that we have made over the past few months (and for some, it could be choices over the past years). Old emotional scars are re-opening, and individuals from our past could re-appear, giving us a second chance to either make things finally right, or to simply find closure. Mercury enters Taurus 04/09 and this helps to ground some overactive thoughts that we have been experiencing. We’re starting to feel as if we can make rational decisions in both love and in work now. While Venus is still in retrograde, it is best advised to hold off on any decision-making until she turns direct later this month. Personal development and our career will be more prominent this month. A few days around the Full Moon in Libra 04/09, we will finally get some answers that we have been searching for. Communications with others (especially those that we have lost touch with) will be more accessible and revealing at this time. Old scores are settled.
 

Venus enters Pisces 04/11 and some of us will want - just what we want - no matter what the cost is. Intentions could be confusing and it’s very possible that we could find ourselves available to trickery and manipulation if we simply rely on trust alone. Important agreements in business should include legal negotiations that spell everything out in detail. Promises that are made, come up empty - so smart choices with a plan of action is certainly encouraged right now. Venus and Saturn are both retrograde, and this energy will make it feel as if our efforts are taking us nowhere. Relationships can come to a screeching halt, and financial endeavors can appear hopeless. This slow pass of time will be testing our patience, as everything is reacting slower than normal. Make good use of this timing, as the Universe is simply giving us more time to examine our goals. Stay focused and work through the small stuff. This blend of hard work and determination will be building something more solid, which is a stronger spirit and a gift of self-respect. Green lights ahead as Venus finally turns direct on 04/17. It’s business and relationships as usual. We’ll also be finding ourselves as the center of attraction, meaning that we are attracting what we need. The ball on the roulette wheel finally lands, and we can finally exhale. Everything is falling into place. The Sun enters earthy Taurus on 4/19, and our efforts are generously rewarded for the next few weeks, so again, make wise choices! It’s a good time to go over business papers, work out differences with loved ones, and to work with our allies. Mars enters sassy Aries on 4/22, and our courage aids us in requesting that promotion, starting a new career, or wining the heart of another. Happiness is only footsteps away!
 

Suzanne Dronzek is an Intuitive Consultant with over 20 years of experience in the metaphysical arts, spiritual astrology, and intellectual tarot. She is also a Freelance Horoscope Writer & Columnist with her astrological guidance from a spiritual perspective. Suzi is available for professional consultations via telephone, for self-help guidance and for relationship compatibility. For complete information, call (724) 832-9283, or visit her website: www.starcana.com

Bearing this in mind, it’s no wonder that our lungs can often show symptoms of toxin overload. Reported cases of asthma are steadily increasing with up to 15 million Americans affected, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.

Our sometimes less-than-perfect diets also lead to the build-up of fats and mucus in our lung tissue. Add to this the factor of anxiety and stress which can be exacerbated by poor breathing, and it becomes clear that our bodies could benefit from a deep lung cleanse.

Lung cleanses can be undertaken by breathing in an infusion, drinking a tea or herbal liquid, or by use of a paste plastered onto the lung area. They are often taken over a period of up to seven days to allow the full cleansing process to take place.

Common herbs used in a natural lung cleanse are Lotus Root, which is widely used in eastern medicine to support lung function, Mullein, used as an alternative treatment for asthma and other respiratory complaints, and Rosemary to control the production of mucus.

Holistic practitioners can provide even deeper lung cleanses which are not recommended to be attempted by untrained individuals. However many infusions and liquid lung cleanses can be widely bought at health food stores.

Depending on the current state of your lungs, within a few days of taking a lung cleanse you may notice an increase in coughing and sneezing while your body expels the excess mucus, but after a short while you should find your breathing improves, in some cases quite dramatically.

Smokers may find that cleansing the lungs is the first step on the difficult road of quitting. In fact, a cleanse is highly recommended after quitting to help clear the lungs of the long-term build-up of toxins, which will then help the longer, deeper healing of the damaged lungs to take place.

Once you have undertaken a cleanse, there are many ways to help maintain the health of your lungs. Deep breathing exercises can help fill the lungs with clean, fresh air, while clearing out the stale air that can remain deep in the lung cavity.

Breathe deeply through your nose, hold your breath for as long as is comfortable, then slowly breathe out through your mouth, and keep breathing out even when you think there is no more air left – you’ll be surprised! Your stomach will draw itself in and your diaphragm will rise, clearing the lungs of air that has stayed deep within them, and then replacing it with fresh air once you breathe in again. Obviously, this works best in clean air areas, not near a busy highway or a factory pumping out pollution! Up to five times is enough, any more and you may feel yourself getting lightheaded.

Take as many walks by the sea or in the mountains as you can. This also works wonders for our stress levels! Aerobic exercise, or exercise that focuses on breathing such as yoga, can also help the lungs stay strong.

Some people find that cutting down on gluten or dairy products can help prevent a build-up of mucus. Eating foods straight from the refrigerator is also not recommended as excess mucus is secreted to protect our blood from the cold.

And finally, it hardly needs saying – don’t smoke! Your lungs will thank you with many more years of healthy activity.

This article was written by Linda Kelly of HealthyNewAge.com, the natural treatment blog and web site.

Creative problem-solving is a must during this first week of March, as our patience will be tested on 03/02, as we sense struggles with creative blocks and confusion with communicating with others. The tension is high and it would be a day to lay low, and release high expectations. Similar energy on 03/04 will continue to have us feeling frustrated. We are reminded to simply recognize the ACTUAL problem, and to then try a new approach, basically because what we have been doing - has not worked. By becoming more flexible and open-minded - we can allow changes to produce better results!

Venus in heroic Aries encourages us to enjoy the moment and to take what we can get, but when she turns retrograde on 3/6, we may decide that we need to put our emotions and trust on hold, waiting for our generosity and kindness to be replenished. Detachment and self-exploration are likely. Suddenly we bump into someone from our past. Psychic experiences rise. It will feel like a personal necessity that we spoil ourselves, while finding quality time to retreat and nurture our soul. Yoga and meditation is highly beneficial. As Mercury enters shadowy Pisces on 3/8, not everything will be as it appears, and we find ourselves being swayed and manipulated into the comforts of relaxation, procrastination, the fantasy good life. While imagination is fun, it isn’t reality - and this is where misunderstandings and false promises can develop in our relationships or in our business ventures. Vision and communication is cloudy in this month’s murky waters, creating a variety of illusions. We may not be one hundred percent sure as to what we should believe at this point, so you may need to trust your intuition and gut feelings to get you through. We may doubt our loyal allies for imaginary friends. In matters of personal security and genuine trust - be sure to stay alert, ask factual questions that require practical answers, and keep up to date with our own personal responsibilities and written agreements.

Restless energy activates on 03/08 as Jupiter’s opposition could cause us to over-think ourselves, and we may feel rushed and jittery, which could have some of us going overboard on our shopping or eating habits. Saturn’s opposition occurs shortly after, forcing our shuffling energy to a screeching halt. Watch out for bullies and aggressive drivers. Tension tends to carry over to 03/09 as Neptune and Mars opposes the Moon, forcing us to toss and turn, and disturbing our sleep pattern. We grumpily climb out of bed, and Mercury’s opposition adds to the fuzziness of our tired minds. Make the best of the day, and find time to quietly clear the mind with meditation.

As Mars enters Pisces 3/14, our energy level slows down and mellows, and sensitivities are heightened. Some of us could feel under the weather. We may decide to withdraw, to avoid oncoming storms and confrontations. Take advantage of this quieter timing to rest and recharge batteries for next month’s busy activities. Sensuality and serenity will our lower stress and tension, while raising interest in sexuality and self-discovery. The rest of this month has calmer waters ahead as the Sun shifts into courageous Aries on the Spring Equinox 03/20. The clouds distance themselves, allowing the skies to clear out. We’ll be ready to venture into some new and unfamiliar territories, as our spirit heals, and the sparkle is back in our eyes. Mercury enters Aries on 03/25, and we’ll be more in tune and in control of our own lives, as our confidence leads the way.

Suzanne Dronzek aka Starcana, is an Insightful Consultant, with over 20 years of experience in the mystical arts, intuitive astrology, and spiritual tarot. She blends intuition with logic for practical solutions, and applies metaphysical wisdom and creative problem-solving into her writings for self-help guidance, personal development, and spiritual enrichment. Suzanne is a member of the American Federation of Astrologers, a member and mentor of the American Tarot Association, a Freelance Horoscope Writer, and she holds a degree in Visual Communications as a graphic designer. Professional and private consultations are available. For more information, contact her at: 724-832-9283 or visit her website: http://www.starcana.com

February starts the month with energy from a New Moon and powerful Solar Eclipse in Aquarius, to seek emotional freedom, and spiritual motivation - to find ourselves. And just when hope may be ready to dissolve into the cosmos - Mercury goes Direct on 02/01, allowing expectations and vision to become crystal clear to us. It’s mush easier with the retrograde gone, to communicate with others now. It’s also a good time, to resend our emails or faxes, and to initiate social connections again. Immediately after Mercury turns direct to open windows of opportunity, courageous Mars forwards his way into Aquarius, to stir up some action and movement into our life. Unfortunately with Venus sitting in Pisces, it could be quite unclear to others (or ourselves) as to what we REALLY want. It probably won’t matter much at this point as what we want, just as long as something happens to make us happy. If thoughts and actions aren’t compatible, intentions may become alarmingly misunderstood as a strong opposition comes between responsible Saturn and rebellious Uranus. Saturn is looking for stability and Uranus is a player, a clash is bound to happen that will rock someone’s world. If something or someone has been experiencing obstacles in work or in a relationship - expect a power struggle (or angry words) to rip the carpet right from under someone’s feet. Later in the evening, Venus and Pluto experience a harsh square to add to the damage, and someone may be in for a rude wake up call when things aren’t falling into place so easily anymore. Bubbles could be bursting, so it would be best to avoid any frivolous confrontations during the first two weeks of February.

On 02/08, a challenging quincunx between Sun and Saturn creates a continuance of cold shoulders and hurt feelings, basically because no one is willing to backdown. An calm ‘adult to adult’ conversation would be an advantage to both parties, including negotiating terms in either work or relationship areas. Without coming to a fair agreement, the powerful eclipse and full moon in LEO on the 9th, will have someone stomping their feet loud and clear to defend their passion. Handle this situation correctly, as the energy from this period will hang around for good few months before it decides to wear off. Later in the week, on Valentine’s Day 02/14, Mercury enters cold Uranus - which can be serious and merciless for businesses deciding to take big risks to achieve success. That coldness doesn’t care who it’s stomping on to reach its numbers. In areas of love, that very same coldness can appear heartless or spiteful. Best advice: Mind your own heart, and mind your own business. In regards to Valentine’s day, the more sensitive romantics should avoid having too high expectations, to escape any sort of disappointment. In other words, be happy and understanding with whatever you get (or don’t get). The more you ‘want’ on this day, the more spiteful the day can become as the moon enters into controlling Scorpio.

A Venus Jupiter sextile on 02/16, which is a wonderful day to make requests for what you want, or have earned - from business promotions, to emotional gifts from the heart. There is a strong sense of happiness and giving in the air. Mind your manners with words of gratitude like ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to attract more positive energy from the day. The Sun enters Pisces on 02/18 , as arrogance and spite will roll off our backs and we become more relaxed and inviting to all around us. Rather than working against life, Venus sextile Mars which can blend magically, as it allows life to mysteriously move in the right direction for us. On 02/21, the Sun sextile Pluto, where again, communications and agreements are quite favorable. Expect smooth traveling, and your coffee to be at the perfect temperature.

The last week of the month, our energy continues to soften as a new moon mellows in cushy Pisces 02/24. We may decide to put trust in the Universe at this time, while some may want to put trust into other individuals, expecting dreams to be delivered, without working for it. And while dreams do come true, the only way to keep them alive - is by nurturing and taking care of them. Without effort, your vision will eventually disappear. It is important during this new moon and the next few weeks, to not be careless or delusional with your work or relationships - assuming all is well and dandy. Old-fashioned hard work will always be needed to keep things running smoothly, which helps to separate the illusion from reality. Mercury conjuncts Jupiter 02/24 and you could be feeling quite excited and accomplished for organizing your priorities!

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Suzi is an Insightful Consultant, with over 20 years of experience in the mystical arts, intuitive astrology, and spiritual tarot. She blends intuition with logic for practical solutions, and applies metaphysical wisdom and creative problem-solving into her writings for self-help guidance, personal development, and spiritual enrichment. Suzi is a member of the American Federation of Astrologers, a member and mentor of the American Tarot Association, a Freelance Horoscope Writer, and she holds a degree in Visual Communications as a graphic designer. Professional and private consultations are available. For more information, contact her weekdays from 10am-6pm EST at: 724-832-9283 or visit her website: www.starcana.com

Music has always been recognized as having a powerful effect on human consciousness. But in the past few years, there has been more research into the science of sound, and how it can be used to improve our lives. We are learning why different kinds of music and sounds have the effects that they do on the body, emotions, mind, and spirit.

Science tells us that all life is energy in one form or another. Further, this energy is eternal, changing and morphing from one shape or form to another. Each ‘energy shape’ has its own particular pattern of frequencies, or vibrations. When one form experiences a matching frequency in the form of a musical note, the form will begin to vibrate in sympathy with the note in sympathetic resonance. A strong enough vibration can even cause a form to restructure itself, as has been noted with cancer cells, crystal glasses, water crystals etc. With the Himalayan bowls,(also known as Tibetan Singing Bowls) every note creates sympathetic resonance with every other note producing harmonic overtones that commence the healing process.

Let us, for a moment, look at the difference between healing and curing: Curing is an end product or finite result. Dictionary definitions define it as “the complete biological resolution of a diseased state” or “ the elimination of disease, distress, evil”.

Healing is a Process and infinite in nature. Some definitions include: “the making or becoming whole, the mending of a breach”, “to free from grief, troubles, evil”, “ restoring to health or soundness”; and my personal favorite by Jeanne Acheerberg, “an intuitive perception of the universe and all its inhabitants as being of one fabric.”

Healing is a movement from disharmony to harmony, from duality to non-duality or Divine Awareness. The journey of healing then is a spiritual awakening with consequences on our physical well being. As we awaken, our perspective shifts. As our perspective shifts, our vibration shifts. As our vibration shifts, our cellular make up shifts. The shifts can not occur as separate entities- they affect the whole of who we are and extend infinitely. This link between body and spirit has been much ignored by the medical profession but the link is quite clear.

Healing is a process where we are released from an ego centered finite perspective of ourselves in the world and move into our essence where our vibratory energy is connected with the universe. Healing can lead to being cured. But if one is simply cured on a physical level, without sufficient healing, the core issue that caused the condition in the first place is likely to manifest again. A vital step in the healing process is that of establishing resonance with the condition in question. Most people resist their condition. You cannot release that which you do not own. Sound is the train that helps us get to healing.

How? We now know that different pulses stimulate different brainwave centers. We also know that we can create brainwave entrainment through a process of sympathetic resonance and that we normally entrain or fall into vibrational step to the strongest vibrations in our immediate environment. Our body is a perfect transmitter of vibration, being 80% water Further, nerve bundles in our spine transmit vibrational sensory data to brain stem and limbic system (our emotional processing center). Placing Himalayan (Tibetan) bowls directly on the body significantly increases their effectiveness. The bowls vibrate at the frequency of perfection, otherwise known as the Sanskrit mantra ‘AUM’. They create harmonic overtones in which each note contains all other notes and none is a separate entity on its own. These bowls are made of seven metals which were collected, smelted and pounded into shape and sound in a ceremonial manner, with monks imbibing them with prayers and mantras. The intention of healing and consciousness transformation still resides in the sacred instruments and is transferred to the listener.

Their sound entrains us into health by entraining our energetic system to resonate with them in their perfection. In the universe dissonant chords tend toward becoming harmonic. It is the nature of energy to harmonize. The harmonic resonance of the bowls literally pulls us back into a more universal energetic flow. They effectively transmit their soothing and peaceful vibrations through our water body in a way that affects our entire nervous and immune system. The sound waves initiate the relaxation response bringing us into a Theta brainwave state (waking dream state that is home to creativity, inspiration, intuition and where we can let go of our ego boundaries, of our consciousness of our physical state and connect with the non-physical, non dualistic.) The sound vibrations of the Sacred bowls balance our right and left brain and with repetition in conjunction with visualization can hold us in the Theta state for longer and longer periods of time. The vibrational sound from the Himalayan bowls initializes our parasympathetic nervous system and helps to raise the disease fighting immune cells while also reducing our stress response and creating cardio respiratory synchrony (the synchronized flow of our brain, respiratory and heart rate waves). Our capacity to heal from any illness is predicated on our body’s ability to achieve cardio-respiratory synchrony and this is exactly what is achieved by listening to the bowls. When they are placed directly on your body, as in a private session, then the healing potential is greatly increased because you are receiving the vibrations in your muscles and organs in addition to hearing them. In other words Vibrational Sound creates the optimum physical/spiritual container needed for healing.

Dr. Mitch Gaynor, Director of Oncology at the Cornel Cancer Prevention Center states: “‘Sound can redress imbalances on every level of physiologic functioning and can play a positive role in the treatment of virtually any medical disorder.

Himalayan Bowls are teachers: Let’s not reduce the healing that takes place only to science. We have already seen that healing is predicated on spiritual awakening. The bowls can be seen as great teachers. They carry the Buddhist Voidness teachings which purport that nothing exists independently of anything else. Each note from these sacred instruments contains all other notes and herein lies their magic. Although possessing a variety of harmonics, the fundamental vibration of each bowl is rooted in the Sanskrit mantra OM. This is the vibration that our brains entrained with. This primordial sound is the perfection of the universe. The ensuing sympathetic resonance between brain and bowls reawakens the intrinsic blissful self in us.

Our attitudes, beliefs and behaviors will either engage with or sabotage the healing potential as well. Positive thinking can strengthen your immune system and change your life. The combination of the sound vibration of the bowls with positive visualization and affirmations will greatly enhance the healing experience. Thus, sound is a type of energy medicine that creates the sacred space in which people can heal from stress disorders, pain, depression, the emotional roller coaster and more. It also creates the perfect state for deep meditation, creative thinking and intuitive messages. The healing process is initiated by entraining our brainwaves and creating sympathetic resonance with the perfect vibrations of the Himalayan singing bowls.
Diáne Mandle is an author, teacher, healer and recording artist based in Southern California. She is Certified in Tibetan Bowl Sound Healing and Polarity therapy. Diane maintains a private practice offering an integrated system for healing which includes Sound and Polarity Therapy, Toning and Visualization. Diane conducts educational programs, keynotes and Harmonic Sound Healing concerts nationally and presents frequently at the Deepak Chopra Center. She has produced the first comprehensive multimedia home study course in Sound Healing using Himalayan instruments (Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese bowls, tingshas, gantas and dorjes) ‘Ancient Sounds for a New Age’, an E-Book/DVD/ CD set available on her website http://www.soundenergyhealing.com

Sound healing has achieved recognition internationally as an effective healing modality for stress, reduction, pain relief and the healing process for many life threatening illnesses in humans. San Diego based Tibetan bowl sound healer, author and recording artist, Diáne Mandle has also been working with animals and teaching pet owners how to use sound to reduce stress and increase well being in their animals.

On October 15, 2006, twenty-five people gathered under a covered arena in Phoenix with their forty-two dogs. People and their dogs greeted one another in a friendly and social manner as they put out their chairs and blankets for the first known event of its kind. The dogs of course continued to jump, pull, sniff and bark happily long after their owners had settled down.

Mandle placed her bowls on a table and began to play. After about ten minutes she looked up because she noticed that the arena had become totally quiet. Pet owners had closed eyes and slowed breath; dogs were lieing down quietly with a far away look on their faces. They were transfixed by the sounds and the energy in the room had completely shifted into a peaceful, quiet mood.

The afternoon event entitled Sound Healing for People and the Animals they Love, was a concert and lecture jointly presented by Ms. Mandle and Phoenix based Dr. Anne Smith, VMD, OMD who has been practicing alternative veterinary medicine since 1975.

Mandle discussed the history of the ancient instruments and science behind their healing potential. She explained that the Singing Bowls, produce the primordial sound of ‘AUM’; the fundamental utterance of energy metamorphosing into matter. They alter space, mind and time; awakening cellular memory and healing the energy body. The act of listening to their captivating overtones stops one’s internal dialog and transports the listener into a space of tranquility and balance. Through a process of sympathetic resonance our brainwaves literally take on a matching frequency with the bowls initiating the relaxation response and inhibiting the stress response.

Animals are extremely sound sensitive and can hear more layers of sound and more notes than humans. They respond well to bowls with lower tones that are played in a soothing manner. This was demonstrated by a recent workshop this year with Diane where a dog, recovering from surgery and in a leg brace was invited in to the room for the sound meditation. He was very close to the instruments and appeared restless during much of the concert. At one point, Mandle selected a grounding bowl, picked it up and walked toward the dog singing the instrument very softly. His eyes met hers and as she continued to play, he backed down onto his haunches, keeping eye contact, put his head on his paws and didn’t move for the rest of the workshop. Clearly, the stimulation from several bowls, some of which were higher in pitch was too much for him. However, he immediately responded to the one low pitched bowl when the energy was also clearly directed at him vs at the group.

Mandle gets emails regularly from clients she has worked with who use the instruments on their pets. Here is one such letter about a sick cat:
I brought my three bowls over to where Flash was lying pretty peacefully. I started playing them at random at first and then found one that he appeared to respond to a little more. I then concentrated on that one with occasional strikes on the other two. Diane, it was remarkable! He went into a profound contentment/relaxation mode. I could tell because he had a couple of deep yawns, then a huge long stretch, followed by lying down on his side with another stretch. Amazingly, he then started to vocalize along with the bowls! This was not just a loud purr. These sounds came from someplace else in his nose and throat and were definitely different from a purr. It’s hard to describe but was something like a cross between a moan and a hum.
I took Flash back to our regular vet on Friday. His feeding tube was removed because he was doing so well. It had been in for a total of exactly seven weeks. He’s now completely on his own in terms of food and water and is no longer on any meds. From Friday until today he has already gained back 6 ounces. We’ve bonded so closely through his long ordeal that he’s with me most of the time now, is a little purring machine, is “talking” again and is playing again. It’s a real joy to watch him be a normal, happy kitty once more.

These instruments are used to:
- reduce stress and pain
- balance energy
- create vitality and spontaneous healing.
- effectively alter consciousness into a peaceful and expansive meditative state. (trance induction)
- deepen meditation ( in humans)

At the Phoenix event Dr. Smith explained that in animals foci or ’spots’ in the brain or DNA material, inflammatory in nature are triggers. In the world of animals, ‘triggers’ can be set off by sight, sound or smells depending on the brain location of the ‘triggers’. In general all ‘reflexive’ behavior is a result of these ’spots’ in the brain. Aggression, for instance, is reflexive behavior, ‘triggered’ by sight, sound or smell. When triggered, the aggressive dog ‘goes off’ into serious attack mode to do the job, leaving the former current context altogether. It often takes some considerable time for the aggressive dog to come back, calm down and rejoin the owner.

Says Smith , “ I have a friend that is a dog owner that has a pit-bull, lab cross with these aggressive bouts. He is 3 years old and she has been working 3 years to modify, mitigate his aggression. The net success frankly was insignificant - until the singing bowls. After 3 sessions with the singing bowls, the outbursts were less frequent and the time to return to present very much shorter.”

Dr.Smith is using some other tools as well, but the inroad to modifying the bouts of aggression were the singing bowls. The potential for healing of all sorts in the context of these ‘triggers’ is very large.

Both Mandle and Smith feel strongly that the level of stress and behavior of a pet owner strongly impacts the behavior of the pet. This is why they recommend that both the owner and the pet receive sound healing treatments which will help them individually and as a team. For more information or to contact Diáne go to www.soundenergyhealing.com

Diabetes is a disease in which the body fails to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a protein hormone secreted by the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It helps the body use carbohydrates, which are the starches and sugars found in the food we eat. Type II diabetes can quietly wreak havoc inside a person’s body long before symptoms become serious.(2)

The first step to diabetes is insulin resistance which is characterized by high blood pressure, abdominal fat, high blood fats, low HDL or “good” cholesterol, obesity and high uric acid associated with increased heart attack. Insulin resistance syndrome is also called metabolic syndrome or syndrome X. Insulin resistance can be corrected with weight loss and exercise,(3) although, it’s primary factor is being overweight.

When a person overeats the cells are continuously bathed in large amounts of insulin which causes the cells to multiply in order to store the extra glucose. Weight control and exercise is a vital weapon against diabetes. (4)

Since junk food, pop sodas, chips and processed meats are plentiful in the US, they have become a daily dietary means for many adults and children. They are easily accessible and very affordable for the unsuspecting public. These foods and drinks are high in calories and very low in nutritional value. The basic Western diet characterized by higher consumption of red meat, processed meat, French fries, high fat dairy products, refined grains and desserts combined with low physical activity contribute to the onset of diabetes type 2 in most people.

There are four key factors that promote obesity and type 2 diabetes:
1. Eating more calories than are used by the body.
2. Eating refined carbohydrates instead of high-fiber sources.
3. Eating the wrong type of fats.
4. Eating an insufficient intake of antioxidant nutrients. (5).

For many years, people with type 2 diabetes believed they had been inflicted with a disease that was permanent and degenerative. The best that they figured they could hope for was good management. This would include a daunting diet, and special diabetic foods.

Today, reports of dramatic improvements, and even reversal of type 2 diabetes are giving new hope to people with this disease. (6)

IMPROVING AND REVERSING DIABETES

Along with natural supplements a colon cleanse followed by a liver cleanse diet for 8 weeks is ideal to remove toxins and improve the function of the liver. Scientist have examined pollution levels in humans, and research proves our bodies are not capable of eliminating all of the toxins so they accumulate in our fat cells, tissues, blood and our organs indefinitely until we take some action and assist the body in eliminating them. Everyone can benefit from the Liver-Cleansing Diet as it is designed to improve overall health and immune function. Those who are in greatest need of this diet are persons with 1) excessive body weight, 2) gall bladder disease, 3) many chronic diseases 4) hypoglycemia or unstable blood sugar levels, 5) chronic fatigue syndrome, 6) headaches and migraines, 7) depression, 8) allergies, 9) high blood pressure and /or fluid retention, 10) liver disease.

The Chinese call the liver the “General of the army of the body”, in charge of body strategy and harmony. They say that although the heart stores the spirit, it is the liver that can unbalance the spirit. (7)

THE LIVER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. Regulates carbohydrate metabolism – it turns glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver. Live glycogen can release glucose into the blood to maintain normal blood sugar levels if needed. If the body is low in carbohydrates, the liver can manufacture more carbohydrates from fat or proteins.
2. Stores glycogen, vitamins A & D, iron, and copper and many of the B complex vitamins.
3. It manufactures many body proteins such as albumin and blood clotting factors such as prothrombin and fibrinogen that cause the blood to clod when needed.
4. Detoxifies many toxic substances either by the Kupffer cells or by adding a chemical substance to a toxin for its elimination or deactivation. It metabolizes or bio-transforms drugs, steroid hormones, and waste products.(8)

Now that the liver’s function has been explained in detail let’s examine a healthy diet to improve the liver function according to Dr. Sandra Cabot.

Although Dr. Cabot does not include a colon cleanse as part of her protocol, it is very important the toxins leaving the body have an easy and quick elimination. You can find a colon cleanse of your choice on the internet or your local health food store and follow their instructions. You should consult your physician before you begin the cleanse and the diet.

Essential Fatty Acids ( Omega 6 and Omega 3) should be included in your diet on a daily basis. Other beneficial mono-unsaturated fatty acids can be obtained from avocados, fresh unshelled peanuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, pecan nuts, and cold pressed virgin olive oil.

LIVER CLEANSE DIET:
Session I – Follow for two weeks:
First thing in the morning drink two glasses of purified water with the juice of a fresh lemon, lime or orange to cleanse the liver followed by a raw vegetable juice made with carrots, cabbage, beet, celery, apple, ginger root, spinach etc.
Not allowed: white bread, sugar, diet drinks, red meat, alcohol, all dairy products, butter, fried foods and margarine.

Allowed: organic eggs and chicken, cold water fish, whole grain breads, legumes, soups, brown rice, muesli, cooked rolled oats, honey, lots of fruits and fresh vegetables, always have a salad with your main meal. Make your own salad dressing with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar. 40% of your diet should consist of raw vegetables and fruits.

Each day add 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds to your meal. Follow these instructions:
3 cups of organic flaxseed
2 cups of organic sunflower seeds
1 cup of raw almonds.
Use a coffe grinder to process the above in a powder form that’s easily absorbed by the body.

Chicken and fish may be broiled, poached or baked. Not fried. Stews are great so are soups.

Session II – 4 weeks
Begin the day with the lemon water as described and the raw vegetable juices.

Not Allowed:
Same as session I but no egg yolks and no chicken.

Session III- 2 weeks
First thing in the morning drink the lemon water as instructed.
Not Allowed: Same as session one.
Allowed: Same as session one. Eggs and chicken are allowed.
Although the diet ends in 8 weeks you can continue with a sensible diet indefinitely. (9) You can add organic red meat on occasion.

The famous physician Thomas Willis attributed the onset of diabetes to a problem with the nerves. We know that the hypothalamus controls most metabolic functions. Hormones released from the hypothalamus control appetite, metabolic rate, fat storage and blood sugar. These hormones also control stress. By controlling your responses to stress, you can help regulate your metabolic control. (10)

By learning relaxation methods you can significantly influence blood sugar control. This is very important because in a “fight or flight” response the hypothalamus sends messages to the pituitary gland, which sends messages to the adrenal gland to release the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol, among others. During fight or flight, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, muscle tension and blood flow to the muscles all increase. Intestinal activity slows, and blood sugar is released from the liver and muscle stores, getting the body ready to fend off an attacker. For people with diabetes, this creates a potential problem because of their inability to produce enough insulin or use the insulin they have, their blood sugar goes up and does not come down. (11)

In conclusion, diabetes may be reversed by following a good nutritional diet, drinking lots of water, exercise daily, and by supplementing with good quality whole food supplements. Just as the brain can set off the flight response, it can also reverse the effect. Part of the hypothalamus controls the parasympathetic system which can counter the fight or flight response by producing the opposite effect. (12) If one learns how to master relaxation and give the body what it needs, the body will heal itself. How incredible!

In 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the “father of Western medicine”, recognized the relationship between health and food. He said, “Let thy food by thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food”. In recent decades, research has proven the truth of his words, raising nutrition science to a level equal with medicine. (13)

–

Eleni Michael received a BA in Sociology, has experience as a social worker, entrepreneur and retirement accounts manager. Her interest in Holistic Medicine began when she watched three of her loved ones sent home to die when conventional medicine failed. Devastated, angry and determined she set out to find natural ways to heal the body and help those that want to be helped. Presently she is working on her certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner.

–

Bibliography:

1. Defeating Diabetes by Davis RD, Brenda & Barnard, MD, Tom
Healthy Living Publications – Summertown, TN, 2003
2. How To Prevent Treat Diabetes With Natural Medicine by Michael T. Murray, Michael R. Lyon – Riverhead Books, NY, 2003
3. Defeating Diabetes by Davis RD, Brenda & Barnard, MD, Tom
Healthy Living Publications – Summertown, TN, 2003
4. Defeating Diabetes by Davis RD, Brenda & Barnard, MD, Tom
Healthy Living Publications – Summertown, TN, 2003
5. How To Prevent Treat Diabetes With Natural Medicine by Michael T. Murray, Michael R. Lyon – Riverhead Books, NY, 2003
6. Defeating Diabetes by Davis RD, Brenda & Barnard MD, Tom
Healthy Living Publications – Summertown, TN, 2003
7. The Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot
S.C.B. International, Inc. Glendale, AZ 1997
8. The Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot
S.C.B. International, Inc. Glendale, AZ 1997
9. The Liver Cleansing Diet by Sandra Cabot
S.C.B. International, Inc. Glendale, AZ 1997
10. How To Prevent Treat Diabetes With Natural Medicine by Michael T. Murray, Michael R. Lyon – Riverhead Books, NY, 2003
11. The Mind Body Diabetes Revolution by Surwit, Ph.D., Richard with Bauman, Alisa
Free Press, NY, 2003
12. The Mind Body Diabetes Revolution by Surwit, Ph.D., Richard with Bauman, Alisa
Free Press, NY, 2003
13. http://pbi-ibp-nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/en/media/advance3.htm
http://pbi-ibp.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/en/media/advance3.htm (let thy food be thy medicine)

However much of the publicity and coverage of it in
the media has been generalist and omitting of
important points. There are a few key facts and points
that you should know.

Firstly, and maybe most importantly, NOT ALL manuka
honey is the same, and certainly not all of it
contains the levels of healing properties that have
made it so famous. This is simply as it naturally is
produced. Some of it is only the equivalent of
standard honey but with the manuka taste (which is
quite unique and flavoursome), and some of it only has
small amounts of the extra healing properties. That
leaves only a portion of the manuka honey produced in
New Zealand each year that actually contains the same
levels of extra antibacterial and healing properties
as that used in the research studies.

So how can you tell which is the genuine active manuka
honey?

The following criteria come from the New Zealand
Active Manuka Honey Association:
1. It has the name UMF clearly stated on the front
label.

2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.

3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use
the name UMF.

4. It has the UMF licensee’s name on the front label.

5. It has a rating of UMF10 or more.

The term ‘UMF’ stands for Unique Manuka Factor, which
represents the extra antibacterial properties found in
some manuka honey over and above the hydrogen peroxide
that is common to all honey. Unfortunately the UMF
term is now frequently misused in advertising, so you
should look for it on the actual jar if manuka honey
for therapeutic use is what you are seeking.

Important Note: Honey, that is any / all honey, should
not be given to infants under two years old. This is
simply as their digestive systems are still
developing, and aren’t necessarily able to process
honey yet. Actually there is some debate whether it
should be a minimum of one or two years old before
honey is given, so we have gone cautious and said two
here. Discuss with your medical professional if you
have any concerns over this.

For those very minor cuts and scrapes that children
tend to get – where you would normally simply wash the
area and cover with a sticky plaster – use whichever
honey you have in the house and add a bit over the cut
after it has been washed, and also some to the sticky
plaster before putting that on. This will just help
the healing process, and one of the benefits of using
honey is the layer it leaves over a wound acts as a
barrier to prevent infection from entering.

For more major wounds, the unique natural antiseptic
and antibiotic properties of proper active manuka
honey aid with healing, and have a growing amount of
research to support its use.

What are the common uses for active manuka honey?

The most common, and where the most research has been
done, is for wound care / treatment. Not only can it
fight any existing infection in a wound, by creating a
‘honey barrier’ over the wound area further bacteria
are prevented from entering.

The range of amino acids, vitamins and trace elements
and easily assimilable sugars found in it have a
beneficial nutrient effect on new tissue growth.
Equally important for the new tissue growth occurring,
is dressing changes. A layer of honey prevents direct
contact between the dressing and new tissue, thereby
reducing damage or disturbance in the change process.

Due to similarities with its benefits in wound care,
two further common uses of manuka honey are the
related areas of burns, and leg ulcers.

On the internal use side, the two most common uses
would be for digestive problems, and coughs. A good
UMF factor honey can help with stomach or peptic
ulcers, bacterial infections in the digestive system,
and is even quite useful for diarrhea.

Honey has been used since ancient Greek and Egyptian
times for its healing properties. Now some modern
research and clinical trials are able to offer
supporting evidence for this very natural remedy.

By Robert Lewis. Robert helps promote genuine manuka
honey in the UK together with Manuka
Honey supplier The New Zealand Honey Shop. Their
website also contains further information and
research.