2011 January/February Newsletter
Welcome!
Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s already 2011 — it seems like just yesterday we were worrying about the turn of the millenium (remember the Y2K bug?) and wondering what the 2000s would bring. It’s certainly been an eventful decade-plus so far!
Here at the Herbal Path, we’ve been talking a lot about goals this month. Looking ahead in 2011 and imagining 2012 — what do we want to achieve? Where do we want to be next year at this time?
This issue of the Herbal Path newsletter includes a review of what we did in 2010, along with articles about working with goals, healthy food choices, and some practitioner spotlights for our Journey to Wellness neighbors. Click the titles to jump to individual articles.
Herbal Path 2010: A Year In Review
Don’t Just Do It, Stick To It!
Powerful Foods for Picky Palates
Practitioner Spotlight: Reflexology — The Magic Pill?
Practitioner Spotlight: Aromatherapy for the Cold and Flu Season
Q&A: “What is your best advice for health and wellness in the new year?”
You can sign up to receive the newsletter via email at herbalpath.com.
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Herbal Path 2010: A Year In Review
by May Grose and Barbara King
I would like to thank all of our loyal customers and new shoppers for supporting The Herbal Path through another great year! We are optimists here at The Path and even though it was another financially tough year for all Americans we were able to bring you the best care and information we can thanks to your support.
Here are a few adventures and experiences that you were either directly a part of or helping to support through shopping with us in 2010…
The Herbal Path Community Market: Beginning in June of 2010, our Community Marketplace thrived throughout the summer months. Customers and non-customers alike were able to enjoy the fruits and crafts that our local vendors brought with them. Even more interesting, we were able to lure a non profit here or there to come and share their mission and grow local awareness. All a part of connecting the community together. And let’s face it, in this day and age we all move so quickly we don’t know our neighbors anymore. It meant a great deal to us to see the community take cognitive and physical action and take the time and effort to come visit us on Tuesdays afternoons. As the ‘buy local’ wave continues to sweep the nation, we will continue to do our part and support our community! I ask for 2011 that we all consider this and take another step to do the same!
The Token Donation Project: Established in March of 2010, The Herbal Path began donating money to several local and global non profits based on our customers’ purchases. Here’s the gig: when you purchase your goods at The Herbal Path with cash you are offered a wooden token, a simple way of representing the money that we would have been charged by the credit card companies but will instead donate it to a non profit of your choice. We also offer you a token when you decide not to take a bag which costs us 3, 5, or 7 cents. But remember! By not taking a bag you reward the world in two ways: you get to support a non profit as well as keep our environment litter free!
We keep several donation bins in our foyer with detailed information about the non profits we (you!) are donating to. Thank you to all of those who shopped with us and donated back, believe it or not, you are making a difference!!!
Journey to Wellness and Herbal Path Open House Events: This past February and November both Journey to Wellness and The Herbal Path hosted two major open houses! With our partners in health next door at the Journey to Wellness Integrative Health Center we were able to offer reflexology, chair massage, card reading and more! Filled with specials, sales, guest vendors, and local goods from all around we wowed customers with a few fun and exciting days. Filled with great deals, fresh snacks, friendly service, and more, be sure not to miss out on our upcoming open houses! Check our website (www.herbalpath.com) for future dates.
Community Events: This past year The Herbal Path hosted several events showcasing specific brand products, founders of top-selling formulations, and local practitioners offering their services. In order to give our customers the most information about our products and manufacturers we invited our brand representatives from Nordic Naturals, Megafood, New Chapter, Vega, Vibrant Health, Greens+, and more to demo their products. We hosted an information filled lecture with Brendan Brazier, formulator and founder of the popular whole food supplement VEGA, to share his knowledge on whole food supplementation and proper daily maintenance of the mind and body. We also featured Catherine Shanahan, M.D., a local physician and author of Deep Nutrition and Food Rules to hold a book signing and presentation on her viewpoints on today’s nutrition. With so many things to learn about, we are pleased to connect you with the health care information you seek.
Annual Wellness Fair: The Herbal Path Wellness Fair opened our doors to several local practitioners and brand representatives. We are proud to support providers in our area. The event turned out to be a huge success thanks to all of you who attended. Customers enjoyed the day participating in massage, reflexology and mini facials. There was much to be had in way of treats to try and fun activities. Not to mention, raffles and free samples galore. It was a very satisfying experience for The Herbal Path staff to see customers, representatives and practitioners alike working together for the better health of the community.
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Don’t Just Do It, Stick To It!
by Barbara King
Here we are, another New Year, another resolution. This year we vowed to eat healthfully, to exercise regularly and to remember to take vitamins and supplements daily. Wait a minute, wasn’t that last year’s resolution and the year before, and the year before that? Ugh!
There is nothing worse than buying a bunch of fresh produce and only to find out by the end of the week it has gone bad in your refrigerator. Perhaps you started the New Year with a paid membership to the local health club and have not put on your gym shoes. To top it off, you purchased your vitamins and supplements thinking this time I’m going to really stick to it? Because as you know, vitamins and supplements do not work if they are still sitting in your kitchen cabinet or if your probiotic is lost in the back of your fridge.
What will make this year different? How can you stay on your plan, fit exercise time into your schedule and remember to take your supplements each day? In order for your resolution plan to work you must work at it. We know all this but, it is still very challenging to stick to it. Did you know that it takes 21 days to form a new habit? The key is you must be consistent!
This article is not about what to eat and not eat, workout schedules, or which supplements to take. It is about how to tackle daily stresses by regrouping each day and becoming more stress resilient and therefore being able to stay consistent. Many people let stress and various other circumstances get to them, and then they veer from their nutrition, exercise plan, or vitamin and supplement routine. We all slip up now and then. That’s OK. The important thing is to learn the art of regrouping.
Regrouping is a powerful tool that allows you to use opportunities that appear during stress and to continue your healthy eating and activity plan. To regroup means that no matter what hits you, you can adjust and adapt easily and therefore, stick to it. Getting back on track can be tough. It is hard not to feel discouraged. It is easy to feel like giving up. However, what’s important is to give yourself 3 days to bounce back. Why 3 days? You need time to relearn it, practice it, and let it solidify.
For example, day 1 you focus on how you will remember your supplements. Such as, putting them out where you can see them, like on the kitchen counter or by your toothbrush. You may choose to put them in your Vega smoothie or breakfast Brookford Farm yogurt. Some people find it easier if they purchase a vitamin stacker or pill storage organizer and carry it with them to help them remember to take their supplements throughout the day. The important thing is that you find what works best for you. You must also remember to stay positive.
Day 2, repeat day 1. Be sure to congratulate yourself for making it through. Stick to it and be prepared. By Day 3, you will feel a sense of accomplishment. This will help you to better stick to your plan. Repeat day 2 again. You will regroup countless times in your life, veering off your routine is just another opportunity to practice. You will then be able to regain momentum and continue your journey.
Sticking to it is also an attitude — getting in the right one. Did you know that people who either have or can create very compelling reasons to change old ways are the ones who succeed? You have to actively identify, create, and consistently remember why you are attempting to change in order to stick to it. These reasons are important. They are your consequences and motivators, and they are different for everyone.
Maybe one person is motivated by simple negative consequences like tight fitting clothes but someone else is motivated to change habits by a serious health problem. Others only need positive motivators like feeling more energy or wanting to treat themselves better. These examples are ways in which people actively “get an attitude” to stick to it. Having the right state of mind will help you when stresses occur. You will be able to adapt, adjust, and cope without feeling bad about slipping up or backsliding. You will be able to keep to your healthy lifestyle. No need for anxiety about the months ahead. You can regroup to stay fit and well!
Did you know that at The Herbal Path you can schedule a consultation to provide you with assistance in developing your own personal wellness plan? If you need extra support in helping you decide how to get started or have questions on how to stick to it, make an appointment today. In addition, on Thursday, January 27th, the Portsmouth store will be hosting a workshop on “Weight Management and Sticking to your Resolutions” from 6:00- 7:30 pm. Presenters: Barbara King, Natural Health Specialist and Cristyn Peters, Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. Join us to learn more. Space limited, call 603-766-6006 to reserve your seat.
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Powerful Foods for Picky Palates
by Marci Kuegel
Anyone who’s seen me eat knows that I am a picky eater, and a lazy chef. I don’t like to spend a lot of time on food prep (or cleanup!), and I’m not very adventurous. However, working at the Herbal Path, I know how important it is to eat lots of nutrient-dense foods. What we put into our body makes a big difference in how we feel!
Here are four healthy food choices that are easy and taste great. And they’re all available at the Herbal Path, of course!
1. Yogurt. Brookford Farms local yogurt (unflavored, unsweetened) was the first yogurt I’d ever eaten that didn’t make my stomach upset. We all know yogurt is packed with probiotics; this time of year they’re especially important, since 80% of our immune system is based in our gut! Recently, I’ve been enjoying this yogurt for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. I like to toss in a handful of nuts and a swirl of the Apitherapy Elderberry Syrup for a sweet, crunchy delight.
2. Hemp Hearts. If you haven’t tried these yet, you’re missing out! Hemp hearts contain protein (20 grams per 5 Tablespoon serving), Omega 3 essential fatty acids (over 3000 mg per serving), vitamin D (1200 IU per serving), and more. They have a very mild flavor that makes them easy to mix into everything from yogurt to smoothies to salsa (note: we don’t sell salsa at the Herbal Path, but it’s still a delicious combo!).
3. Coconut Oil. I was wary of coconut oil for a long time, since I’ve never liked coconut much in foods. But I wanted something less expensive than olive oil to use cooking my eggs, and now I’m a total convert! It’s delicious — a whole different world than Mounds candy bars (note: we also don’t sell Mounds candy bars). I’ve just started using coconut oil instead of butter on my grilled cheese sandwiches; the flavor is rich but not overpowering.
4. Kale Chips. The Revitalive Cafe in Newburyport, Massachusetts sells us these crunchy snack chips. Kale is a source of vitamins K, A, and C, along with many trace minerals. And what easier way to get an additional serving of leafy green vegetables into your day? These chips are not fried, but are dehydrated, and can be eaten right out of the bag. They’re perfect when I’m reaching for something to satisfy that ‘crunchy cheesy savory’ craving.
Some of these foods can be a meal or snack all on their own. Others are a way to substitute a healthier choice into a meal you already love. As we start the new year, it’s a perfect time to try something new. Changing your food choices can be daunting; taking small steps to add and swap foods can help you feel in control of your diet without feeling deprived.
Do you have a quick and easy healthy food you want to share? Send me an email at marci@herbalpath.com, and I’ll post it on our store blog!
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Practitioner Spotlight: Reflexology — The Magic Pill?
by Vally Mandic
We watch the television commercials — read all the magazine articles — and even go to the doctor’s office — all in search of the Magic Pill.
We want the Magic Pill that will offer us the relief we seek from a variety of discomforts: tension, stress, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes… the list is sometimes endless — and so are the Magic Pills.
One of the problems with these prescriptions is very simple, and it is contained in the fine print — so fine that it is sometimes tough to read and, let’s face it, none of us likes to dwell on the long list of side effects that pharmaceuticals usually include. There are very few Magic Pills that do not have a very serious list of potential side effects — it’s the trade-off that we are faced with as we look for relief.
But what if there was a remedy that had NONE of these side effects — no fine print — no trade-offs. Just relief from pain, tension, stress, and quite simply, a return to the quality of life we are seeking — a balanced state without prescriptions! Now that’s magic!!
What remedy am I offering? A visit to Vv Wellness to experience the benefits of Reflexology firsthand and the relief it can bring to you.
What is Reflexology? A method for activating the healing powers of the body – health and happy feet through modern reflexology — a science and an art!
As a science, it requires careful study, practice and knowledge of the techniques. As one of the healing arts, it yields the best results when the practitioner works with dedication, patience, focused intention and above all, loving care.
From ancient texts, illustrations, and artifacts, we know that the early Chinese, Japanese, Indians, Russians and Egyptians all worked on the feet and hands to promote good health. Today’s reflexology is a sensational, dynamic, and yet simple approach to glowing health. It requires no special equipment, and best of all — no medication or drugs.
We are all structural, chemical, and spiritual beings. Reflex work can bring all three elements into balance, thus treating the person as a whole being as opposed to just treating one part of the body. Reflexology is an effective alternative method for treating many illnesses and alleviating pain.
As in acupuncture or shiatsu, energy pathways are opened up, and the subtle energy that accompanies neurological and circulatory functioning can do its work. The body — when it is in a balanced state — returns to its natural rhythms. Energy flows. The body, mind and spirit are brought back into balance.
How does it work? I found a paragraph written by a fellow Reflexologist which explains it very well and share it here with you:
“Our bodies are controlled by an electrical system with many “on” and “off” switches. There are “main circuits” to every organ, gland, and nerve, and these circuits have endings — pressure points — in your hands and feet. By working these pressure points, called reflexes, you not only can stop the pain, but also send a healing force to all parts of the body by opening up closed “electrical lines” that have shut off the flow of life force. When these life lines are closed or clogged, malfunctioning glands and organs make you ill. Reflexology gets to the cause of the problem by restoring the energy flow to the body’s many different systems and functions.”
The work of Reflexology is the application of a specific type of steady, even pressure to the hands or feet that affects another part of the body. This pressure produces dynamic healing and relaxation in the body. The technique stimulates pressure sensors that in turn trigger relaxing responses throughout the body. Results have been dramatic! Research has shown that Reflexology has had great success in overcoming or easing a broad range of health concerns.
So, you ask yourself — just what CAN Reflexology do for me?
Simple — a resetting of the body’s natural state of balance. The systematic pattern of alternating pressure applied to the hand or foot interrupts stress, relieves discomforts, and helps the body to remain in a better, healthier state.
The benefits of reflexology are quite varied. It has been demonstrated to be effective on chronic ailments, weight control, stress disorders and even labor pains. Reflexology encourages good health, promotes relaxation, eases pain, prevents disease and improves quality of life. Truly the Magic Pill we are all seeking!
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Practitioner Spotlight: Aromatherapy for the Cold and Flu Season
by Amy Bregy
Earth’s Energy, Journey to Wellness suite 5
“How can aromatherapy help me in the cold and flu season?” “How do they work?” These are common questions I hear.
Essential oils have a unique ability to penetrate cell membranes and diffuse throughout the blood and tissues. The unique, lipid-soluble structure of essential oils is very similar to the makeup of our cell membranes. The molecules of essential oils are also relatively small, which enhance their ability to penetrate into the cells. When topically applied to the feet and body, essential oils can travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes.
Working as the chemical defense mechanism of the plant, essential oils possess potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Recommended Aromatherapy
Raindrop Technique:
The Raindrop technique is a great way to feel the healing effects of therapeutic grade essential oils. This technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils synergistically combined to simultaneously kill the responsible viral agents and reduce inflammation. The principle single essential oils used are: oregano, thyme, basil, cypress, wintergreen, marjoram, and peppermint. Also used are two blends, Valor and Aroma Siez.
The oils are dispensed like little drops of rain about 6 inches from the back, then very lightly massaged along the vertebra and back muscles. Although the process takes about 45-60 minutes, the oils continue to work for up to a week following treatment with continued re-alignment taking place during that time. It will also boost your immune system, melt away stress and anxiety and balance the body to allow it to heal itself. The Raindrop technique can reduce stress and anxiety, boost the immune system, improve circulation and mental clarity.
Now let’s look at the individual oils and their unique properties:
Oregano:
One the most powerful antimicrobial essential oils.
Thyme:
Antiseptic, immune enhancing, supportive of the body’s natural defenses.
Basil:
Relaxing to both involuntary and voluntary muscles, mentally energizing and invigorating, used for tension headaches.
Cypress:
Antimicrobial, supportive of the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
Wintergreen:
Supports joints and skeletal structure, has analgesic and cortisone-like properties to ease pain and inflammation.
Marjoram:
Relaxes and soothes involuntary as well as voluntary muscles. Used for headaches and muscle spasms. Antiseptic and antimicrobial.
Peppermint:
Supports digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems. Research has shown that inhaling peppermint improves concentration and mental retention. Detoxing to the liver. Also enhances properties of other essential oils used in conjunction.
Valor
(Blend) Gentle and soothing, helps balance the body electrically and stimulates spinal realignment.
Aroma Siez
(Blend) Calming and relaxing, relieves muscle tension including tight muscles and muscle spasms.
Ortho Ease
(Blend) Contains natural antioxidants, formulated to soothe muscles and ease minor swelling.
Diffusing any essential oil or oil blends is a good way to fight the cold and flu season. Naturally, and without harsh chemicals, rid the air and surfaces of bacteria, mold and other allergens, while boosting your immune system to fight off flu and cold viruses.
Want to Learn More about essential oils and how they can help you?
I will be offering free consultations and demos at the Herbal Path in February, so look for me as Practioner of the Day coming up next month!
Also look for a wellness presentation next month when I join my colleague Cristyn Peters, Fitness and Nutritional Instructor, for a balanced approach to fighting the cold and flu season!
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Q & A: “What is your best advice for health and wellness in the new year?”
We polled Herbal Path staffers in Dover and Portsmouth for their thoughts on 2011. A lot of weight is put on “New Year’s Resolutions,” but in reality, we are all setting goals for ourselves every day, sometimes even without realizing it. Here are some ‘Herbal Path thoughts’ on making this a fantastic year.
MARCI
“Drink more water! One widely accepted recommendation is that the average person should drink half their weight in ounces each day (ex. a 140 pound individual should drink 70 ounces of water per day). Adequate water intake can improve so many areas of our lives, and it’s easy!”
CHANTELLE
“My best advise would be to listen to your body. Take time out of your day for yourself. Living in the society we do, we don’t stop to take a minute and “smell the roses.” A lot of the stresses of life take it’s toll on our bodies and that is how so many health issues arise. So I say that if you feel the need to take a break whether it’s 15 minutes out of your day or a mini vacation, then do so. You will thank yourself in the long run!”
BARBARA
“My best advice for health & wellness in the New Year is to be consistent especially when it comes to taking vitamins and supplements. It may take a several days or weeks to feel the results that you are looking for. Taking them only when we remember or every now and then, will not necessarily indicate that the supplement you purchased is the right one for you. Be consistent and give it a bottle or two (provided no harmful side effects), make note of how you feel day to day and of any changes in your overall health. Customers frequently ask me, ‘How do I know it is working?’ My response, ‘Be consistant and keep taking it. Many times it is not until you run out and you find yourself rushing back to The Herbal Path for a refill, you realize you don’t want to be without it.’”
MAY
“My advice is to ‘set yourself up for success.’ If you know you are someone who needs a good night sleep, get into bed half an hour before you normally would. Even if you don’t fall asleep, you are still sending your body into the parasympathetic nervous system and allowing the healing and rejuvenating process to begin. If you know you get low on fuel during the day, pack yourself some snacks to get you through the rough moments. If you begin to feel stressed out, take the moment to breathe and think your situation through. This life is about thriving, not surviving, so do yourself the favor and treat yourself the best you can!”
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